•n 


• 


A    SELECTION 

or    THE 


Patriotic  Addreffes, 


TO      THE 


PRESIDENT 

OF     THE 

UNITED  STATES. 

TOGETHER     WITH 

The  Prefident'j  Anfwers. 

PRESENTED 

In  the  year  One  Thoufand  Seven  Hundred 
and  Ninety-Eight,  and  the  Twenty- 
Second  of  the  Ipdependence 
of  America. 


B    0    S    t    0    N: 
PRINTED   BY  JOHN  W.  FOLSOM, 

No.  30,  UNION-STREET. 

1798. 


I 


TO     THE 


(7 

GENTLEMEN, 

pERMIT  me  to  addrefs  to  you  a 

which  originated  under  your  own  hands. 
Jf  there  be  any  merit  in  it.  if  a  noble  fpirit 
pervade  it,  if  the  principles  of  Greece  and 
Rome>  in  their  moft  illujlrious  days,  c'oncentre 
in  this  volume,  no  little  glory  is  due  to  you  ; 
for  you  infpired  them.  Like  fire  in  a  flint, 
thi-  volume  had  Jlill  been  latent  in  the  Ameri- 
can bofom,  had  not  your  inimitable  art  ex~ 
tracted  it.  While  toe  thank  you  for  the  noble 
ardor  which  you  have  roufcd  from.  Vermont 
to  Georgia^  we  alfo  acknowledge  our  obliga- 
tion. to  you,  for  your  fojlering  care  of  our 
concerns,  and  for  your  unprecedented,  fmcere 
and  dijinterejled  prof  ejjions,  which  Kave  arij- 
en  to  fuch  a  height,  that  you  would  willingly 
adopt  our  whole  nation,  as  your  own.  ! 

Although  this  -volume  contains  a  fummary 

:  M8G12S9 


iv          DEDICATION. 

of  American,  popular  fentiment^  on  the  gen* 
uinenefs   of  which  you  may  rely  ;  ftill  to  be 
ingenuous^we  miift  confefs.  there  are  a  certain 
few  here,  notorious  indeedfor  their  prof  ej/ion 
of  friend/hip  to  you^  but  who  are  in  reality 
your  worjl  enemies.     Believe  me,  Gentlemen  ^ 
thefe   ungrateful   wrdches,   whom  you   have 
reared,  fed  and  moulded  to  your  own  form 
and  ccmelinefs,  have  invariably  deceived  ycu. 
You  have  depended  folely  on  them  for  infor- 
mation rcfpcBing  W5,  your  allies  :    none  of 
them  have  remitted  you  a  true  flatement  of 
popular  fentiment.      They  have  abitfd  your 
confidence  ;  and  nearly  ruined  your  influence 
in  this  country.     As  a  friend  to  truth,  I  will 
undeceive  you,  and  diflipatc  thofe  clouds  of  er- 
ror in  which  you  are   involved,  through  the 
falfe  injinuaticns   of  your  agents  ;  and  this 
without  a  douceur  for  myfervice. 

Reft  afjiircd,  we  are  the  fame  people  whom 
you  admired  in  time  pa  ft  ;  we  are  net  unwor- 
thy of  our  ancejlors  ;  we  have  not  defervedly 
lojl your  efteem.     WARREN  was  not  the  laft 
of  the  Americans  ;  and  WAS  HI  NGTON,  who^ 
twenty  years  Jince,  converted  his  fpear  to  a 
pruning-hook)  has  lately  reconverted  his prun- 
ing-hook  to  a  fpear.     We  love  peace -,  we  con- 
fefs;  yet  let  not  this y  we  pray  you,  imply  an 
idea  derogatory  to  our  valor ;  we  love  itfo  ar* 


D  E  D  I  C  A  T  I  O  N*.  v 

denlly,  we  will  fight  for  it.  Bui  it  is  the 
great  principle  with  us,  to  wield  the  Pen  Jirft, 
if  that  fail,  the  Sword.  Speak,  Jirs,  if  thu 
principle  be  the  genuine  off  sp ring  of  America, 
(and  that  it  is,  this  volume  carries  with  it,  an 
internal  evidence)  are  we  not  worthy  of  the 
efteem  of  the  "  magnanimous  Republic  ?•" 

Fully  impreffed  -with  the  idea,  that  theft 
addrejjes,  which  I  have  fele&ed  from  a  vaft 
number,  will  be  of  great  fervice  to  you  in  ap- 
preciating cur  American  character,  I  have 
collected  this  volume,  entirely  for  your  life, 
and  reque/l  no  other  favor,  than,  to  anticipate 

the  inference,  to  wit, France  !  remember 

Britain  ! 

EDITOR. 

P.  5.  Should  you  requejl  afecond  and  third 
volume,  they  flail  be  forwarded  immediately. 


** 
* 


THE 

ADDRESSES 

T  O 

THE  PRESIDENT,  &c. 

VERMONT. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATES. 

SIR, 

WE,  the  Subfcribers,  Inhabitants  pf  the 
,  town  of  Windfor,  in  the  State  of 
Vermont,  deeply  impreHed  with  the  critical 
fituation,  to  which  our  Country  is  reduced, 
by  the  ambitious  views,  fecret  intrigues  and 
nefarious  conducl  of  a  foreign  nation,  aid- 
ed by  unprincipled  and  defigning  men  of 
our  own  Country,  conceive  it  our  duty  to 
declare  to  you  our  fulled  approbation  of 
your  conduct  in  this  arduous  and  important 
conjuncture  of  public  affairs. 

At  the  fame  time  permit  us,  Sir,  to  affure 
you  and  the  Congrefs  of  the  United  States, 
that  although  peace  is  the  rnoft  ardent  wifli 
of  our  hearts ;  yet  it  is  a  peace  founded 

upon 


8  PATRIOTIC 

upon  the  great  principles  of  national  inde- 
pendence and  honour,  which  fhall  not  be 
degraded  by  the  officious  interference,  im- 
perious demands,  or  the  piratical  depreda- 
tions of  any  nation  ,on  earth,  and  that  we 
are  ready  and  willing  to  pledge  our  lives 
and  fortunes  in  fupport  of  fuch  meafures 
as  the  national  government  may  think  beft 
to  adopt  to  protect  our  commerce,  defend 
our  country  from  infults,  and  maintain  our 
independence  and  liberties  inviolate. 


TO  the  I  N  H  A  B  I  T  A  N  TS  of  the  tOWU  of  Wl  N  D~ 

SOR  in  the  State  of  VERMONT. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  this  addrefs,  pre- 
fented  to  me  by  your  fenators  in  Congrefs, 
Mr.  Paine  and  Mr.  Chipman. 

Your  attachment  to  peace  on  the  princi- 
ples of  national  independence  and  honor, 
not  degraded  by  the  officious  interference, 
imperious  demands,  or  piratical  depreda- 
tions of  any  nation,  is  amiable. 

The  pledges  of  your  lives  and  fortunes 
in  fupport  of  fuch  meafures,  as  the  national 
government  may  think  bell  to  adopt,  to  pro- 
tect oiir  commerce^  defend  our  country 

froin 


ADDRESSES.  9 

from  infult  and  maintain  our  independence 
and  liberties  inviolate  are  honorable  to  you, 
and  acceptable  to  your  country. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  JOHN   ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the 
UNITED  STATES, 

SIR, 

PERMIT  th<?  inhabitants  of  the  towns  of 
Arlington  and  Sandgate,  in  the  county  of 
Eennington  in  the  itate  of  Vermont,  with 
the  greateft  refpecl  to  approach  the  Execu- 
tive, and  folemnly  avow  thofe  fentiments, 
which  for  years  we  have  cherifhed,  and 
which  at  this  time  we  think  it  criminal  to 
fupprefs. 

Long  have  we  feen  foreign  influence 
prevailing,  and  endangering  the  peace  and 
independence  of  our  country — Long  have 
•we  feen,  with  mod  painful  fenfations,  the 
exertions  of  dangerous  and  reftlefs  men, 
mifleading  the  underftandings  of  our  well- 
meaning  citizens,  and  prompting  them  to 
fuch  meafures  as  would  fink  the  glory  of 
our  country,  and  proftrate  her  liberties  at 
the  feet  of  France. 

Long  have  we  feen  that  nation  departing 
from  her  precious  profeffions  of  emancipa- 
ting 


10  PATRIOTIC 

ting  the  enflaved,  and  following  the  fteps  of 
ambitious  tyrants  in  the  road  to  univerfal 
empire.  And  while  we  lamented  that  fo 
many,  with  intemperate  zeal,  appeared  will- 
ing to  facrifice  every  thing  to  her  g'ory,  we 
charitably  hoped,,  in  times  like  the  prefent, 
they  would  cheerfully  rally  around  the  fland- 
ard  of  government — nor  are  our  ropes  b'aft- 
ed — the  veil  is  now  removed  from  their 
eyes,  and  the  fpell  is  broken.  Suffer  us. 
Sir,  with  perfect  fincerity,  to  declare  that 
the  Executive  and  Government  of  the  Uni- 
ted States  have  ever  had  our  confidence. 
We  have  no  attachment  or  exclufive  friend- 
fhip  for  any  foreign  nation.  America  is 
our  country.  To  fupport  fuch  meafures  as 
our  Executive  and  adrniniftration  have  or 
may  adopt  for  the  fafety  and  defence  of  our 
national  dignity  and  independence,  we 
pledge  ourfelves  with  whatever  we  hold 
dear.  And  while  we  gratefully  acknowledge 
the  goodnefs  of  Heaven  for  a  conftitution 
happily  calculated  to  fecure  our  fafety  and 
freedom,  and  for*  the  wifdom,  firmnefs  and 
juflice  with  which  the  government  of  thefe 
United  States  has  been  adminiftered,  and 
•which  has  been  OUT  fecurity  from  foreign 
bondage,  we  ardently  pray  that  the. invalua- 
ble life  of  the  Prefident  may  be  continued, 
the  time  of  his  ufefulnefs  protrafted,  his  ad- 
miniftration  profpered,  and  may  his  con- 
duel;  amid  thofe  corroding  cares  and  trying 

circumftances.. 


ADDRESSES.  11 

-<;ircumftances,  which  arc  infeparable  from 
his  exalted  ftation,  receive  the  merited  ac- 
knowledgment of  the  prefentand  of  unborn 
generations,, 


To  the  INHABITANTS  of  the  Torvns  of  AR- 
LINGTON and  SAN  DC  ATE,  in  the  county 
of  BENNINGTON,  in  the  State  of  VER. 

MONT. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  this  addrefs,  which 
has  been  prefented  to  rne  by  Mr.  Chipman, 
one  of  your  fenators  in  Congrefs. 

Sentiments  like  yours,  which  have  been 
entertained  for  years,  it  would  be  at  this 
time,  inexoufeable  not  to  exprefs.  If  you 
have  long  feen  foreign  influence  prevailing, 
and  endangering  the  peace  and  independ- 
ence of  our  country,  ib  have  I  ;  if  you 
have'long  feen,  with  painful  fenfations,  the 
exertions  of  dangerous  and  refllefs  men, 
mifleading  the  underftandings  of  our  well- 
meaning.  citizens,  and  prompting  them  to 
fuch  meafures,  as  would  fink  the  glory  of 
our  country,  and  proftrate  her  liberties  at 
the  feet  of  France,  fo  alfo  have  I. 

I  have  feen  in  the  conduft  of  the  French 
nation,  for  the  laft  twelve  years,  a  repetition 
of  their  character  difplayed  under  Louis  the 
fourteenth,  and  little  more,  excepting  the 

extravagancies, 


i*  P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 

extravagancies,  which  have  been  intermixed 
with  it,  of  the  wildeft  phiiofophy,  which 
was  ever  profe'fled  in  this  world  fince  the 
building  of  Babel,  and  the  Fables  of  the 
Giants,  who,  by  piling  mountains  on  moun- 
tains, invaded  the  ikies.  If  the  fpell  is 
broken,  let  human  nature  exult  and  rejoice. 
The  veil  may  be  removed  from  the  eyes  of 
many,  but  I  feir  not  of  all.  The  fnare  is 
not  yet  entirely  broken,  and  we  are  not  yet 
efcaped. 

If  you  have  no  attachments,  or  exclufive 
friendfhip  for  any  foreign  nation,  you  pof- 
fefs  the  genuine  character  of  true  Americans. 

The  p'ed^e  of  yourfelves,  and  deareft 
enjoyments,  to  fupporc  the  inea fares  of  gov- 
ernment, (hews  th.-)'  your  ideas  are  adequate 
to  the  pfettiohal  -bgnity.  and  that  you  are 
worthy  to  enjoy  ftj  '  ;ndence  and  iov- 
ercignty. 

Your  prayers  ;,;•;.  ?iy  life  and  ufefulnefs, 
are  too  alfeding  to  nie  to  be  enlarged  upon. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  and  CONGRESS  of  the 
UN  ITED  STATES. 

V  v  E,  the  Mayor,  Aldermen,  Common 
Council  and  Freemen  of  the  city  of  Ver- 
j  in  the  county  of  Addifon,  and  flate 

of 


ADDRESSES,  13 

of  Vermont,  though  deeply  imprefled  with 
the  train  of  lawlefs  and  unprovoked  aggref- 
fions  of  the  French  nation  upon  our  lawful 
commerce,  the  repeated   infults  upon   our 
government,  the  neglect   and  even  ftudied 
contempt  with    which    our  meffengers   of 
peace  and  accommodation  have  been  treat- 
ed, the  general  fyftem  of  policy  by  them 
adopted  and  perfeveringly  purfued,  equally 
deftru&ive  to  the  rights  of  perfons,  of  things 
and  of  nations,  and  efpecially  the  dangerous 
influence  of  that  policy  upon  the  United 
States;  yet  feel   a  fecurity  in  the  wifdom, 
re&itude,  firmnefs   and  moderation  of  thQ 
Executive, and  of  Congrefs,  in  this  eventful 
crifis.    The  official  conduct  of  the  fupreme 
Executive  demands  the  higheft  confidence 
of  the  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and 
their  mod  unequivocal  exprefliofls  of  appro- 
bation and  applaufe.     And  we  cherifh  the 
pleating  hope  that  the  united  councils  of  the 
government,   under  the   guidance   of    the 
Supreme  Difpofer  of  events,  will  ftill  fave 
us  from  the  deftruclion  with  which  we  are 
fo  unjuftly  threatened.     And  while  we  ex- 
prefs  our  confidence  in  the  Executive  and 
in  Congrefs,  we  cannot  conceal  our  indigna- 
tion at  the  condu6l  of  thefe  pretended  pa- 
triots, whofe  ftudies  and  labours  (not  to  call 
in  queftion  their  views)  are  uniformly   cal- 
culated to  fliackle  the  meafures  of  admin- 
iftration,  divide  the  American  people  from 
B  their 


14  PATRIOTIC 

their  government,  and  render  both  fubfer- 
vient  to  foreign  influence.  But  thanks  to 
Heaven,  we  are  not  that  degraded,  nation- 
lefs  people,  who  will  tamely  lay  our  well-won 
glory  and  national  happinefs  in  the  fcale 
•with  the  barbarian  .demands  of  fpoliators, 
and  the  infatiable  rapacity  of  the  changeful, 
dependent  miriifters  of  foreign  faction. 

The  perfidious  republic  which  boafts  of 
its  terror  and  prowefs  to  us,  is  more  terrible 
in  vices  and  impieties,  than  in  arms  :  and 
though  we  wifh  to  remain  in  the  refrelhing 
ihades  of  our  fruitful  vine,  yet  at  our  coun- 
try's call  we  will  cheerfully  quit  them  to 
gather  laurels  in  the  rugged  field  of  Mars. 
Our  lives  and  our  property,  even  to  the  laft 
mite,  are  devoted  to  our  country,  and  we 
freely  pledge  them  in  her  caufe,  to  be  ufed 
againft  any  nation  on  earth,  which  with  fa- 
crilegious  ftnger  fhall  dare  to  touch  the  holy 
ark  of  our  national  rights. 


To  the  MAYOR,  ALDERMEN,  COMMON 
COUNCIL  and  FREEMEN  of  VERGEN- 
WES,  in  the  County  of  ADD:  SON,  and  State 


;CENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  addrefs   to  the  Prefident  and 
Congress,  has  been  prefented  to  me  by  your 

fenators. 


ADDRESSES.  15 

fenators,  Mr.  Paine  and  Mr.  Chipman,  and 
your  reprefentative,  Mr.  Morris, 

Your  oppofition  to  that  policy,  (if  indeed 
it  can  be  called  policy)  which  is  equally  de- 
ftru&ive  of  perfons,  things  and  nations, 
does  honor  to  your  underftandings  and  dif- 
pofitions. 

The  only  fecurity  we  have  under  Heav- 
en, is  in  the  wifdom,  rectitude,  firmnefs  and 
moderation  of  Congrefs. 

Your  approbation  of  the  conduct  of  the 
fupreme  executive  authority  of  government, 
is  very  pleafing  ;  but  you  fliould  remember 
it  can  do  no  more  than  execute  the  laws. 

If  the  united  councils  of  our  country  can 
fave  us  from  the^deftruftion  with  which  we 
are  fo  unjuftly  threatened,  it  can  only  be 
under  the  guidance  af  the  Supreme  Difpofer, 
by  the  united  valor,  conftancy  and  exertion's 
of  the  people.  All  who  recollect  the  hi  (lory 
of  Vermont  and. its  inhabitants,  will  eaflly 
tmderftand  them  when  they  declare  their 
refolution,  at  the  call  of  their  country,  to 
quit  their  refrefhing  fhades  and  fruitful  vines 
to  gather  laurels  in  the  field  of  Mars. 

Your  lives  and  your  property  will  not  be 
pledged  in  vain  againft  the  nation  which, 
with  facrilegious  hand,  fball  touch  th$  ark 
of  your  national  rights. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


i6  PATRIOTIC 

NE  W.HAMPSHIRE. 


To  ^PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATES, 

SIR, 

jf\T  a  time  when  the  American  nation  is 
on  the  point  of  being  drawn  into  the  calam- 
ities of  war,  we  flatter  ourfelves  that  an 
addrefs  from  the  Legiflature  of  New-Hamp- 
ihire  will  not  be  unacceptable. 

Permit  us,  Sir,  to  exprefs  our  entire  fatis- 
faftion  in  the  wifdom  and  energy  of  your 
adminiftration  and  that  of  your  predeceflbr. 
Your  unremitted  perfeverance  which  has 
marked  your  endeavours  to  adjuft  and  fettle 
our  difputes  with  France,  difplays  in  tiie 
ftrongeit  colours  your  defire  of  peace.  Al- 
though the  political  fittiation  of  this  country 
is  diftreffing  and  alarming,  yet  no  meafures 
on  your  part  have  been  wanting  that  could 
honorably  render  it  otherwife. 

We  confider  the  iriftruffions  given  our 
envoys,  fufficient  and~ample  for  every  pur- 
pofe  of  honorableand  equitable  negociation. 
We  feel  the  indignity  which  has  been  offer- 
ed  them  —  we  feel  with  refentment  the  wrongs 
and  injuries  done  our  commerce,  by  French 
depredations.  A  firm  requeft  and  dignified 
demand,  has  not  procured  us  redrefs:  And 
\ve  add,  with  regret,  that  we  fear  the  appar- 

ent 


ADDRESSES.  17 

ent  difpofition  of  the  government  of  France 
renders  further  negociation  unneceffary. 

We  do  not  taxourfelves  with  ingratitude 
to  the  French  nation.  That  debt  which  \ve 
contracted  under  the  monarchy  of  France, 
we  anticipated  and  paid  to  the  executive 
government  of  that  country  ;  and  it  will 
always  be  recolle&ed  that  we  were  the  firfh 
nation  to  acknowledge  the  Republic  of 
France. 

It  is  with  pleafure  we  contemplate  the  in- 
creafingfirmnefs  of  our  national  Legiflature. 
By  union,  our  independence  can  be  main- 
tained ;  by  divifion  it  is  loft  forever.  To 
divide  and  conquer,  has  been  (we  are  fenfi- 
ble)  too  often  and  fuccefsfully  praftifed  to 
the  deftruclion  of  governments  and  nations  : 
But  we  are  happy  to  affure.  you,  that  the 
oppofition  in  the  State  of  New- Hampfhire 
to  the  adminiftration  of  the  federal  govern- 
ment, is  much  too  contemptible  to  merit  the 
name  of  divifion. 

Although  we  deprecate  the  evils  and 
fcourges  of  war  ;  yet,  Sir,  we  more  fenfibly 
feel  the  infults  offered  the  dignity  of  our 
country.  Our  independence  was  won  and 
eftablifhed  by  the  blood  and  fatigues  of  the 
brave.  It  is  a  boon  which  we  will  never 
fac rifle e  at  the  fhrine  of  foreign  rapacious 
ambition.  If  declining  Rome  bought  her 
peace  of  the  ancient  Gauls  with  money,  yet 
B  2  we 


i8  PATRIOTIC 

\ve  (hall  never  give  our  confent  to  pay  a 
difgraceful  tribute  to  Gauls  more  modern, 
When  our  country  calls,  our  war-worn 
foldiers  and  the  hardy  youth  of  our  hills,  at 
the  firft  found  of  the  clarion  of  danger,  will 
cheerfully  and  unitedly  rally  around  the 
ftandard  of  American  independence,  and 
defend  it  with  their  blood. 

The  diforganizer  may  feek  protection  un- 
der the  colours  of  France  ;  but  as  for  us 
and  our  conftituents,  we  will  flicker  our- 
felves  under  the  wings  of  the  American 
Eagle. 

Accept,  Sir,  our  united  declaration  to 
fupport  and  defend  the  conftituted  authori- 
ties of  o-ur  country,  with  our  lives  and  for- 
tunes. 

Accept,  Sir,  our  warmeft  wifhes  for  your 
perfonal  welfare  and  happinefs.  Long  may 
you  continue  to  watch  over  the  fafety  of 
the  community. 


To  #AeLEGISLATURE0/"NEW-HAMPSHIRE* 

GENTLEMEN, 

MY  moft  refpeftful  and  afFe&ionate 
thanks  are  due  to  your  two  honorable  Hou- 
fes  for  an  addrefs,  tranfmitted  to  me  by 
your  excellent  governor,  and  prefented  to 
me  by  your  reprefentatives  in  Congrefs. 

The 


ADDRESSES.  19 

The  American  nation  appears  to  me  as  it 
does  to  you,  on  the  point  of  being  drawn 
into  the  vortex  of  European  war — your  en- 
tire fatisfaclion  in  the  adminiftration  of  the 
federal  government,  and  in  the  perfeverance 
which  has  marked  its  endeavours  to  adjult 
our  difputes  with  France,  is  very  precious 
to  me.  Diftreffing  and  alarming  as  the  po- 
litical fituation  of  this  country  is,  I  am  con* 
fcious  that  no  meafures  on  my  part  have 
been  wanting  that  could  have  honorably  ren- 
dered it  otherwife.  The  indignities  which 
have  been  fo  repeatedly  offered  to  our  am 
baffadors,  the  greatest  of  which  is  the  laft 
unexampled  infult,  in  choofing  out  one  of 
the  three,  and  difcarding  the  other  two,  the 
•wrongs  and  injuries  to  our  commerce,  by 
French  depredations,  the  legal  declaration, 
in  effecl,  of  hoftilities  againft  all  our  com- 
merce, and  the  apparent  difpofuion  of  the 
government  of  France,  to  render  further 
negociation  not  only  nugatory,  but  difgrace- 
ful  and  ruinous.  You  may  tax  the  French 
government  with  ingratitude,  with  much 
more  juftice  than  yourfelves. 

The  increafing  union  among  the  people 
and  their  legiflatures,  is  as  encouraging  as 
it  is  agreeable.  The  precept  4i  divide  and 
conquer"  was  never  exemplified  in  the  eyes 
of  mankind  in  fo  ftriking  and  remarkable  a 
manner  as  of  late  in  Europe  !  Every  old 
republic  has  fallen  before  it.  If  America 

has 


20  PATRIOTIC 

has  not  fpirit  and  fenle  enough  to  learn  wif- 
dom  from  the  example  of  fo  many  republi- 
can cata  (trophies  pafiing  in  review  before 
her  eyes,  fhe  deferves  to  fuffer,  and  rnoft 
certainly  \vill  fall.  —  I  am  happy  to  affu-re 
you,"  that  as  far  as  my  information  extends, 
the  oppofition  to  the  federal  government  in 
all  the  other  dates,  as  well  as  in  New- 
Hampfhire,  is  too  fmall  to  merit  the  name 
of  divifion  }  it  is*  a  difference  of  fentiment 
on  public  nreafures,  not  an  alienation  of  af- 
feftion  to  their  country. 

The  war-worn  foldiers,  and  the  brave  and 
hardy  fons  of  New.  Hampfhire,  fecond  to 
none  in  (kill,  enterprize  or  courage  in  war, 
\vill  never  furrender  the  independence,  or 
co  n  fen  t  to-  the  difhonour  of  their  country. 

I  return  my  warmeft  wifhes  for  your 
health  and  happinefs. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATES. 

Jl  HE  fubfcribers,  inhabitants  of  the  town 
of  Portfmouth,  State  of  New-Hampfhire, 
conceiving  the  prefent  moment  to  be  one  of 
thofe  critical  periods,  when  political  necef- 
fity,  calls  aloud  for  the  public  voice  to  ad- 
vocate the  meafures  of  its  own  government, 
and  cheerfully  to  offer  the  fupreme  Execu- 

tive, 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.  21 

live,  and  the  Congrefs  of  the  Union,  the 
moft  determined  and  unequivocal  fupport^ 
in  maintaining  meafures  that  have  been,  or 
may  be  adopted  for  the  intereft,  honor  and 
independence  of  the  United  States.  They 
therefore  beg  leave  to  exprefs  their  high 
fenfe  and  approbation  of  the  wifdom  and 
probity  which  have  chara&erifed  the  vari- 
ous efforts  of  our  executive,  for  effecting  a 
permanent  reconciliation  with  France  ;  and 
finding  that  the  Directory  has  endeavoured 
to  impoie  fuch  terms  as  cannot  be  accepted 
without  the  vileft  proftration  of  national  in- 
tereft, honor  and  independence.  They 
therefore  offer  their  property  to  fupport, 
and  their  lives  to  defend^  thofe  dear-bought, 
facred  and  inalienable  rights  ;  being  fully 
retblved  to  rally  round  the  banners  of  their 
country,  and  follow  the  ftandard  of  govern- 
ment, making  every  poffible  effort  to  con- 
vince the  world,  and  more  efpecially  the 
unfriendly  powers  of  Europe,  that  they  are 
not  the  divided  people  they  have  been  rep- 
relented  to  be,  neither  will  they  be  the 
flaves  nor  dupes  of  any  nation  upon  the  face 
of  the  globe. 


To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the 

UN  ITED  STATES. 


MIDST  the   numerous  addreffes  from 
our  fathers  and  brethren^  throughout  United 

America^ 


22  PATRIOTIC 

America,  on  the  prefent  critical  fituation  of 
our  country,  replete  with  juft  indignation  at 
the  unparalleled  conduct  towards  us,  of  an 
imperious  unprincipled  European  power ; 
and  with  affurances  of  the  moft  perfect  ac- 
quiefcence  in,  and  firmed  fupport  of  every 
rneafure  which  has  been,  or  may  be,  purfued 
by  our  Executive  for  the  fecurity  of  our 
national  honor  and  independence  :  The 
Youth  of  Portfrnouth,  though  fenfible  their 
fuffrage  will  add  comparatively  little  to  the 
general  mafs  of  patriotifm  fo  worthily  dif- 
played  ;  yet  impelled  by  a  fenfe  of  duty,  and 
animated  by  the  lame  ardent  attachment  to 
the  conftitution  and  laws  of  their  country, 
joined  to  the  moft  profound  refpeft  for  its 
chief  magiftrate,  they  beg  leave  alfo  to  ad- 
drefs  him  OIL  this  occafion. 

Though  at  the  commencement  of  our 
great  and  glorious  revolution,  few  of  us 
were  even  in  exiftence  ;  yet  have  we  fmce 
often  liilened  with  enthufiaftic  rapture  to  the 
wondrous  tale.  With  aftoniihment  have 
we  been  told  by  a&ors  in  that  fublime  fcene, 
o£  the  wifdom,  prudence,  firmnefs,  perfever- 
en^ce  and  bravery  difplayed  by  the  fathers 
and  defenders  of  our  country,  in  the  cabinet 
and  the  field,  under  every  difadvantage  of 
infancy,  inexperience  and  poverty,  againft 
the  moft  opulent  and  powerful  nation  on  the 
globe,  till  peace,  liberty  and  independence 
were  obtained  and  eftablifhed  on  the  firmeft 
foundation.  Thefs 


ADDRESSES.  23 

Thefe  bleflings  having  received  as  our 
birth-right,  \ve  will  never  part  with  but  with 
life.  Pnrchafed  as  they  were  by  the  blood 
and  treafure  of  our  gallant  an-ceflors  with- 
out our  aid  :  We  will  defend  them  with  the 
Jail  drop  and  particle  of  our  own,  and  en- 
deavour to  prove  ourfelves  worthy  the  rich 
inheritance. 

With  the  jufteft  abhorrence  of  the  perfi- 
dy, duplicity,  rapacious  avarice,  and  daring 
infolence^  pride  and  injuflice  of  a  nation 
who  once  poflefTed,  and  might  (till  have  pof- 
fefled  almoft  every  American  heart  :  We 
are  forcibly  impreffed  with  the  ftriking  con- 
traft  of  our  own  government,  which  while 
it  fecures  the  approbation  of  our  feniors, 
excites  in  us  the  higheft  admiration  and  ap- 
plaufe.  And  while  we  now  folemnly  tender 
our  perfons  and  lives  in  defence  of  our 
country,  its  government,  laws  and  inftitu- 
tions,  againft  all  attempts  to  deftroy,fubvert 
or  impair  them  ;  we  cannot  but  declare  that 
\ve  think  it  a  mod  profperous  omen,  that 
Providence  has  placed  at  the  head  of  gov- 
ernment, at  this  alarming  crifis,  to  defend 
our  national  honor  and  independence,  a 
man,  who,  like  his  illuftrious  predeceffbr, 
had  fo  large  a  majre  in  procuring  thofe  in- 
valuable bleflings. 

T* 


24  PATRIOTIC 

To  the  YOUNG  MEN   of  PORTSMOUTH,  in 
the  State  of  NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

GENTLEMEN, 

JL  HIS  handfome  addrefs  from  the  youth 
of  Portfmouth,  evinces  the  fame  fpirit  and 
principles  which  animate  the  rifing*.genera- 
lion  in  general  throughout  the  United  States, 
and  is  not  lefs  agreeable  to  me  than  any  I 
have  before  received. 

The  opinion  you  have  formed  of  the  wif- 
dom,  prudence,  firmnefs,  perfeverance  and 
bravery  of  your  fathers,  is  not  exaggerated, 
and  their  example  is  worthy  of  your  imita- 
tion. They  have  another  merit,  which  I 
may  recolle6l  with  propriety  ; — they  have 
educated  their  fons  in  their  own  principles, 
and  infpired  into  them  their  own  virtues  ; 
a  facl:  which  is  every  day  more  and  more 
apparent,  and  forms  the  fu-reft  foundation 
of  hope  and  confidence  for  our  country. 

Nothing  can  be  more  flattering  to  my 
heart,  than  the  confidence  in  me,  manifefted 
by  you,  and  your  contemporaries,  through 
the  Union  in  general — may  it  never  be  dif- 
appointed, 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


From 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.  25 

£rom  Me  STUDENTS  of  DARTMOUTH  UNI- 
VERSITY, to  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESI- 
DENT of  the  UNITED  STATES. 

.SIR, 

GROWING  up  from  our  cradles  in  a 
land  of  liberty,  and  taught,  by  precept  and 
experience,  to  value  the  bleffings  of  a  free 
government,  we  feel  an  indignation  at  any 
attempt  to  ftaih  its  honor,  or  trouble  its 
peace. 

We  are  young,  without  experience  ;  it% 
therefore  becomes  us  to  be  diffident  in  re- 
gard to  meafures  of  political  practice.  But 
when  the  rulers  of  a  foreign  nation  are  en- 
deavouring to  proftrate  our  liberties  ;  are 
flattering  themfelves  that  the  people  of  thefe 
dates  are  taking  a  part  feparate  from  the 
government,  and  in  this  deluiion  are  calcu- 
lating their  influence  over  us;  while  men  of 
different  profeffions  and  ages,  from  various 
parts  of  our  land,  are  exprefiing  their  ap- 
probation of  the  meafures  of  government ; — 
we  folicit  that  you  would  accept  9  tribute  of 
duty  and  refpe6l  from  us,  a  band  of  youth, 
members  of  a  feat  of  fcience,  in  the  northern 
region  of  an  extensive  repub]ic  ;  and  that 
you  would  be  affured  of  our  love,  our  at- 
tachment, our  confidence  in  your  adminif- 
tration,  and  the  legiflative  bodies,  in  regard 
to  our  foreign  as  well  as  dorneflic  interefls. 

€  If, 


56  PATRIOTIC 

If,  notwithftanding  .the  meafures  which 
have  -been  wifely  propofed,  and  prudently 
nppHed  and  executed,  for  accommodating 
difficulties  with  the  French,  that  nation 
fhould  iliil  continue  in  the  fpirit  of  domina- 
tion and  pra£tice  of  abufes  towards  us  ;  if 
our  government  (liould  think  it  neceflary  to 
change  the  fccne  of  negociation  from  the 
cabinet  to  the  held  of  battle  ;  we  offer  our 
zeal,  our  activity  and  our  lives,  to  repel  the 
foe  that  would  make  us  (laves. 

At  your  command,  illuftrious  magiftrate 
of  a  great  people,  we  will  halten  to  the 
flandard  of  freemen  and  warriors. 


To  the  STUDENTS  of  DARTMOUTH  UNI- 
VERSITY, in  the  State  of  NEW-HAMP- 
SHIRE. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  this  addrefs,  pre- 
fented  to  me  by  Mr.  Freeman,  your  repre- 
fentative  in  Congrefs. 

Your  modeft  diffidence;  in  regard  to  mea- 
fures of  political  practice,  well  becomes 
your  age,  and  the  purfuits  of  fcience  and 
literature,  which  have,  as  they  ought,  oc- 
cupied hitherto,  the  mod  of  your  time;  but 
it  behoves  you  to  confider  well  the  fituatio'n 
of  your  country,  at  the  time  you  are  to  en- 
ter on  the  ftage  of  life,  and  prepare  your- 
-fdv.es  forthe"part  ,vou  mu^  a&-  g 


ADDRESSES.  27 

Be  aftured,  that  your  tribute  of  duty  and 
refpecl,  your  love,  attachment  and  confi-* 
dence,  are  words  of  precious  import  which 
cannot-  be  confidered  by  me  as  words  of 
courfe,  nor  as  words  of  art. 

The  offer  of  your  zeal,  activity  and  lives, 
to  repel  the  foe  that  would  make  us  flaves, 
in  cafe  your  government  mould  determine 
it  neceffary  to  change  the  fcene  of  negocia- 
tion  for  the  field  of  battle,  is  very  amiable 
and  affecting.  You  cannot  all  be  foldiers  ; 
fociety  muft  be  fupplied  with  the  ordinary 
profeffions  and  faculties,  in  time  of  war,  as 
well  as  in  peace.  Thofe  of  you  who  feel 
an  inclination  to  a  life  of  danger  and  glory, 
may  find  employment  for  all  the  activity  and 
enterprize  of  your  genius  in  due  time. 

Let  me  intreat  you,  and  all  my  young 
friends  in  America,  whether  ftudents  or  men 
of  bufinefs,  not  to  be  dazzled  by  the  fplcn- 
dor,  or  intimidated  by  the  horror  of  modern 
events.  Remember  that  the  Roman  re- 
public was  revived  in  the  fourteenth  centu- 
ry, that  Rienzi  was  as  famous  as  the  modern 
heroes — Petrarch  was  his  friend  and  admir- 
er— that  atheifm  and  blafphemy  were  as 
prevalent  and  fafhionable  then  as  they  are 
now,  at  leaft  in  Italy.  Let  not  a  young 
country,  and  the  only  really  growing  em- 
pire in  the  world,  be  corrupted  and  ruined 
oy  fuch  extravagancies. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


PATRIOTIC 

MASSACHUSETTS, 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  M£  UNI  TED  STATED 

SIR, 

JL  HE  Legiflature  of  Maffachufetts,  ever 
anxious  and  long  habituated  to  take  an  ear- 
ly and  decided  part  in  whatever  relates  to 
the  fafety  and  welfare  of  their  country,  beg 
leave  to  join  the  united  voice  of  your  fellow 
citizens,  in  offering  you  a  teftimony  of  their 
refped  and  confidence. 

As  a  native  citizen  of  ©ur  commonwealth^ 
and  as  the  fupreme  Executive  of  the  govern- 
ment of  our  deliberate  choice,  we  feel  for 
you  thofe  fenti  merits  of  attachment  and  ven- 
eration, which  the  recollection  of  your  long, 
diftingui  filed  and  fuccefsful  fervices  are  cal- 
culated to  excite  ;  —  and  if  the  meafures  of 
a  wife  and  virtuous  adminiftration,  fuch  as 
we  believe  your's  to  have  been,  can  receive 
aid  or  fari61ion  from  our  moft  decided  and 
unequivocal  approbation,  our  duty  in  ex- 
preffing  it  will  be  difcharged  with  increafedi 
fatisfadion. 

It  is  with  a  mixture  of  indignation  and 
regret,  that  we  learn  the  (late  of  our  nego- 
ciations  with  the  French  republic.  From  a 
careful  review.  of  our  relations  with  France^ 
and  of  the  unremitting  efforts  of  the  national 

government. 


ADDRESSE 

government,  to  preferve  and  perpetuate  her 
friendihip,  we  might  readily  have  believed 
that  there  could  be  no  crifis  in  the  progrefs 
of  her  political  career,  in  which  our  tran- 
quillity could  have  been  diflurbcd.  But 
amidft  the  collifion  of  parties,  France  has 
lofl  the  objecl;  of  her  revolution.  She  once 
fo'ught  for  liberty, — fhe  no-w  contends  for 
dominion  ;  and  having  declared  by  the  voice 
of  her  executive,  that  "  {he  ought  to  become 
the  model  and  the  arbiter  of  nations,"  has 
violated  the  rights  of  every  neutral  people, 
and  proftrated  the  governments  of  inoft  of 
the  republics  of  Europe. 

Should  any  further  attempts, either  to  con- 
troul  the  government,  or  fubjugate  the  peo- 
ple of  the  United  States,  be  the  refult  of  her 
inordinate  ambition,  the  citizens  of  Maffa- 
chufetts  will  meet  them  with  the  firm  and 
determined  fpirit  of  freemen  ;  and  as  they 
have  bten  among  the  firft  to  defend,  will  be 
the  laft  to  refign  the  rights  of  national  fov- 
ereignty. 

In  this  all  important  conflict,  we  expeft 
the  ready  and  zealous  co-operation  of  the 
free  and  enlightened  people  of  America  : 
and  our  country,  having  adopted  every  rea- 
fonable  meafure  to  avert  the  calamities  of 
war,  may,  with  humble  confidence,  rely  up- 
on t^e  God  of  our  fathers,  for  protection 
and  iuccefs. 

C  2  A  people, 


30  PATRIOTIC 

A  people,  by  whom  the  bleffings  of  civil 
and  religious  liberty  are  enjoyed  and  duly 
appreciated,  will  never  furrender  them  but 
\vith  their  lives.  We  will  never  forget  that 
our  charter  to  this  liberty  is  fealed  with  the 
blood  of  Americans.  And  we  pledge  to  you 
the  patriotifm  and  all  the  energies  of  our 
conftituents,  that  it  fhall  never  be  violated 
by  the  facrilegious  hand  of  foreign  power. 
We  alfo  mofl  folemnly  pledge  ourf  elves,  to 
fupport  every  meafure,  which  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States,  at  this  momen- 
tous period  may  fee  fit  to  adopt,  to  protect 
the  commerce,  and  preferve  the  independ- 
ence of  our  country. 


isL  AT  u  R  E  of  M  ASS  A  CH  u  s  E  T  TS^ 

GENTLEMEN, 

AN  affectionate  and  refpeclful  addrefs 
from  your  two  honorable  Houfes,  has  been 
prefented  to  me,  according  to  your  requeftr 
by  your  ienators  and  reprefentatives  in. 
Congrefs.. 

The  anxiety,  the  ancient  and  conftant 
habit  of  the  people  of  Maffachufctts.  and 
their  legiflature,  to  take  an  early  and  decided 
part  in  whatever  relates  to  the  fafety  and 
-welfare  of  their  country  ;  as  well  as  their 
ardor,  activity,  valor  and  ability  in  its  de- 
fence by  fea  and  land,  are  well  known,  and 
ought  to  be  acknowledged  by  all  the  world. 


ADDRESSES.  3* 

The  firft  forty  years  of  my  life  were  pafled 
in  my  native  MafTachuietts,  in  a  courfe  of 
education  andprofeflional  career,  which  led 
me  to  a  very  general  acquaintance  in  every 
part  of  that  ftate.  If  with  your  opportuni- 
ties, and  preiling  motives  for  obfervation,. 
and  experience,  you  can  pronounce  my  fer- 
vices  fuccefsful  and  adminifl ration  virtuous, 
ancf  the  people  of  fifteen  other  ftates  could 
concur  with  you  in  that  opinion,  my  reward 
would  be  complete,,  and  iny  moft  ardent 
wifh.es  gratified. 

If  the  object  of  France,  in  her  revolution,, 
ever  was  liberty,  it  was  a  liberty  very  ill  de- 
fined and  never  underftood.  She  now  aims 
at  dominion  fuch  as  never  has  before  pre- 
vailed in  Europe.  If  with  the  principles, 
maxims  and  fyftems  of  her  prefent  leaders, 
(he  is  to  become  the  model  and  arbiter  of 
nations,  the  liberties  of  the  world  will  be  in 
danger.  Neverthelefs,  the  citizens  of  Maf- 
fachufetts,  who  were  firft  to  defend,  will 
be  among  the  laft  to  refign  the  rights  of  our 
national  Sovereignty . 

You  have  great  reafon  to  expeft,  in  this 
all-important  conflict,  the  ready  and  zealous 
co-operation  of  the  free  and  enlightened 
people  of  America,  and  with  humble  con- 
fidence to  rely  on  the  God  of  our  fathers  for 
protection  and  fuccefs. 

With 


32  PATRIOTIC 

With  yon  I  fully  agree,  that  a  people  by 
whom  the  bieflings  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty  are  enjoyed,  and  duly  appreciated, 
\vill  never  furrender  them  but  with  their 
lives.  The  patriotifm  and  the  energies  of 
your  conftituents,  united  with  thofe  of  the 
people  of  the  other  flates,  are  a  fure  pledge, 
that  the  charter  of  your  civil  and  religious 
liberties  fealed  by  the  blood  of  Americans. 
\vill  never  be  violated  by  the  facrilegious 
hand  of  foreign  power. 

The  folemn  pledge  of  yourfelves  to  flip- 
port  every  meafure  which  the  government 
of  the  United  States,  at  this  momentous  pe- 
riod, may  fee  fit  to  adopt  to  prote£l  the 
commerce  and  preferve  the  independence  of 
our  country,  muft  afford  an  important  en- 
couragement to  the  national  government, 
'and  contribute  greatly  to  the  union  of  the 
people  throughout  all  the  Hates. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT,  and  to 
the  CONGRESS  of  the  UN  ITED  STATES. 

J.  HE  fubfcribers,  inhabitants  and  citizens 
of  Boflon,  in  the  State  of  MafTavchufetts, 
deeply  impreffed  with  the  critical  and  alarm- 
ing fjtuation  of  the  United  States; — and 
c  VIM  ed  of  the  neceflity  of  unanimity  and 
jirmnefs  at  this  intereftinginomentj  beg  leave 

to 


ADDRESSES.  33 

<o  exprefs  to  the  fupreme  Executive,  and 
the  Congrefs  of  the  United  States,  their  fulled 
approbation  of  the  meafures  adopted  by  the 
Prefident,  relative  to  our  foreign  relations, 
their  gratitude  for  his  exertions  to  conciliate 
the  French  republic,  and  his  folicitude  to 
fettle  and  accommodate  ail  exifting  differ- 
ences, upon  terms  compatible  with  the  fafe- 
ty,  the  intereft,  and  the  dignity  of  the  United 
States. 

They  beg  leave  alfo  to  exprefs  their  high 
and  elevated  opinion  of,  and  confidence  in, 
the  virtue,  the  wifdorn,  and  the  prudence  of 
the  national  government,  and  their  fixed 
refolution  to  fupport,  at  the  rifk  of  their 
lives  and  fortunes,  iuch  meafures  as  the 
Prefident  and  Congrefs,  in  their  \vifdoni 
fhall  determine  to  be  neceffary  to  promote 
and  fecure  the  honor  and  happinefs  of  the 
United  States  ;  —  Nor  can  they  omit,  at  this 
crifis,  and  upon  fuch  an  occafion,  to  declare 
to  the  world,  that  they  are  not  humiliated 
under  a  colonial  fenfe  of  fear;-  —  "they  are 
not  a  divided  people  :."  that  they  know  their 
rights,  and  are  determined  to  fupport  them, 


To  the  INHABITANTS   and    CITIZENS^  o/* 

BOSTON. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  the  declaration  of 
your  approbation  of  the  meafures  adopted 

by 


34,  PATRIOTIC 

- 

by  me,  relative  to  our  foreign  relations,  to- 
conciliate  the  French  republic,  and  to  ac- 
commodate all  exifting  difference,  upon 
terms  compatible  with  the  fafety,  the  inter- 
eft7,  and  the  dignity  of  the  United  States. 

Your  high  and  elevated  opinion  of.  and 
confidence  in  the  virtue,  wifdom  and  patri- 
otifm,  of  the  national  government,  and  fixed 
resolution  to  fupport  at  the  rifk  of  your  lives 
and  fortunes,  fuch  meafures  as  may  be  de- 
termined to  be  neceffary  to  promote  and 
iecure,  the  honor  and  happinefs  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  do  you  honor,  and  are  perfectly 
in  character. 

It  muft,  however,  be  a  very  unnatural, 
and  peculiar  ftate  of  things,  to  make  it  ne- 
ceffary, or  proper,  in  you,  or  any  other 
American  in  your  behalf,  to  declare  to  the 
world,  what  the  world  ought  to  have  known 
and  acknowledged  without  hefitation — that 
you  are  not  humiliated  under  a  colonial 
fenfe  of  fear, — that  you  are  not  a  divided 
people,  in  any  point  which  involves  the 
honor,  fafety,  and  effential  rights  of  your 
country, — that  you  know  your  rights,  and 
are  determined  to  fupport  them. 

*+>  JOHN  ADAMS. 


To 


ADDRESSES.  35 

To  JOHN   ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  tic 
UNITED  STATES. 


a  period,  when  a  powerful  and  per- 
fidious nation,  afpiring  to  the  domination  of 
the  world,  annuls  in  the  career  of  her  pride, 
all  bonds  of  national  amity  ;  when  the  moft 
conciliating  meafures  which  the  pacific  dii- 
pofition  of  our  government  has  adopted, 
have  been  repelled  with  indignity,  filence 
would  become  cowardice,  and  neutrality 
treafon. 

At  this  eventful  crifis,  the  Young  Men 
of  Bofton,  folemnly  irnpreffed  with  the  ideas 
of  independence,  which  they  have  derived 
from  'their  anceflors,  in  that  unequivocal 
language  which  admits  of  no  adulation,  beg 
leave  to  exprefs  to  the  firft  magistrate  of  the 
Union,  their  -fentiments  and  refolutions. 

Ufhered  into  life  at  a  time  when  our  fath- 
ers were  Itruggling  for  the  rights  to  which 
God  and  nature  entitled  them,  we  date  our 
exiftcnce  coeval  with  the  independence  of 
our  country.  With  our  firft  breath  we  im* 
bibed  a  detcftation  of  fervility  to  any  nation, 
and  we  have  not  yet  learned  to  fubmit  to 
the  humiliation  of  foreign  controul. 

As  .Americans,  we  feel  aa  enthufiafm  in 
-applauding  your  .arduous  adminiftration,  to- 
gether with  that  of  your  illuftrious  prede- 
cefTor,  ever  deCgnated  by  the  Hrnieit  virtue, 

which 


36  PATRIOTIC 

which  danger  has  not  been  able  to  appal, 
and  obloquy  has  in  vain  a  (Tailed.  While 
\ve  have  admired  the  dignified  moderation, 
which  has  marked  the  fucceffive  attempts  at 
a  reconciliation  with  our  Gallic  allies,  \ve 
have  witneffed  with  regret  our  proffered 
terms  of  adjuftment,  contemptuously  reject- 
ed by  the  rapacity  of  avarice,  and  the  info- 
lence  of  power.  The  irifulring  demands  by 
which  France  has  fo  glaringly  developed 
her  punic  faith,  and  her  infidious  defigns, 
we  conceive  would  be  more  chara&eriftic 
of  the  defpotic  requifnions  of  a  conqueror, 
than  of  propofals  to  a  high  fpirited,  arid  we 
believe,  an  unconquerable  people. 

Although  we  prefume  not  to  arrogate  to 
onrfelves  the  office  of  judging -on  intricate 
queft'ions  of  politics,  yet  where  gratitude 
claims  the  tribute,  we  mufl  feelingly  eulo- 
gize the  unfullied  patriotifm  and  uniform 
wifdom  of  our  fupreme  Executive. 

Juftly  appreciating  the  fweets  of  peace 
and  the  reign  of  equal  laws,  fpurning  acqui- 
••efcence  to  any  prefumptuous  power  to  the 
degradation  of  national  honor,  and  deter- 
mined to  guard  the  inviolability  of  our  con- 
ilitution,  as  the  palladium  of  our  rights,  we 
the  youth  of  Bofton,  united  by  indifloluble 
ties  in  one  common  love  to  our  country, 
moft  folemnly  offer,  when  its  voice  demands 
the  energy  of  aclion,  to  facrifice  our  youth- 
ful 


ADDRESSES.  37 

Tul  profpefts  and  our  lives,  in  unnerving  the 
arm  of  fedition,  and  repelling  the  inroads 
of  oppreffion ;  fervently  according  in  thofe 
noble  fentiments,  that  ;;  neutrality  ought 
never  to  be  purchafed  by  the  violation  of 
public  faiih,  thetarnifhing  of  moral  charac- 
ter, or  the  abandonment  of  independence." 


To  the  YOUNG  MEN  0/BosTOK. 

•GENTLEMEN, 

IT  is  impofllblc  for  you  to  enter  your 
own  Faneuil-Hall,  or  to  throw  your  eyes 
on  the  variegated  mountains,  and  elegant 
iilands  around  you,  without  recollecting  the 
principles  and  aclions  of  your  fathers,  and 
feeling  what  is  due  to  their  example  : — One 
of  their  firft  principles  was  to  unite  in  them- 
fclves  the  character  of  citizens  and  foldiers, 
and  especially  to  preferve  the  latter  always 
fiibordinate  to  the  former. 

With  much  folicitude  for  your  welfare, 
and  that  of  your  pofterity,  I  take  the  free- 
dom to  fay,  that  this  country  never  appeared 
to  me  to  be  in  greater  danger,  than  at  this  mo- 
ment, from  within  or  without — never  more 
urgently -excited,  to  affume  the  fun&ions  of 
foldiers. 

The  ftate  of  the  world  is  fuch,  the  fitua- 

tion  of  all  the  nations  of  Europe,  with  which 

we  have  relation,  is  fo  critical,  that  viciffi- 

D  tudes 


3$  PATRIOTIC 

Glides  muft  be  expefted,  from  whofe  delete- 
rious influences,  nothing  but  arms  and  en- 
ergy can  protecl  us  :  —  To  arms,  then,  my 
young  friends,  —  to  arms,  efpecially  by  fea5 
to  be  ufed  as  the  laws  fhall  dire6t,let  us  re- 
fort  ;  for  fafety  againft  dangers,  \vhich  we 
now  fee  and  feel,  cannot  be  averted  by 
truth,  reafon,  or  juflice. 

Nothing  in  the  earlier  part  of  my  public 
life,  animated  me  more,  than  the  counte- 
nances of  the  children  and  youth  of  the  town 
of  Bofto-n  ;  and  nothing  at  this  hour,  gives 
me  fo  much  pleafure,  as  the  mafculine  tem- 
per and  talents,  difplayed  by  the  youth  of 
America,  in  every  part  of  it. 

I  ought  not  forget  the  worft  enemy  we 
have  ;  —  That  obloquy,  which  you  have  ob- 
ferved,  is  the  worft  enemy  to  virtue,  and  the 
beft  friend  to  vice  ;  it  drives  to  deftroy  all 
xliftinclion  between  right  and  wrong,  it  leads 
to  divifions,  fedition,  civil  war,  and  milita- 
ry defpotifrn.  —  I  need  fay  no  more. 

JOHN  ADAMS, 


To  the  PRESIDENT   and  CONGRESS  of  tht 
UNITED  STATES  of  AMERICA. 

PENETRATED  with  a  lively  conviaion 

pf  the  critical  and  very  interefling  fiiuation 


ADDRESSES.  39 

of  our  national  concerns,  the  fubfcribers, 
inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Salem,  in  the 
Commonwealth  of  MafTachufetts,  are  indu- 
ced to  prefent  the  following  addrefs. 

Senfible  we  are  of  the  impropriety  of  an 
interference  from  the  people  with  the  eftab- 
lifhed  administration  of  government,  ftill  we 
conceive  occafions  may  arife,  when  an  ex- 
preffion  of  the  public  fentiment  may  be 
highly  important  and  beneficial.  As  fuch 
an  one  we  view  the  prefent;  when  the  lead- 
ers of  a  great  nation  are  inflexibly  purfuing 
the  moft  injurious  and  baneful  defignsagainfi 
us  ;  and  flattering  themfelves  with  a  prof- 
pe&  of  f'uccefs,  by  a  feparation  of  the  peo- 
ple from  the  government. 

It  is  our  difpofition,  and,  as  far  as  our 
influence  may  extend,  it  fhali  be  our  endeav- 
our, to  difappoint  and  fruflrate  thefe  ex- 
pectations. 

We  are  fully  fatisfied  with  the  meafures 
taken  by  the  fupreme  Executive,  for  accom- 
modating the  differences  fubfrfting  between 
the  United  States  and  the  French  republic  ; 
and  it  is  with  fincere  regret  we  learn  that 
thofe  meafures- have  been  unfuccefsful. 

We  ftill  wifh  for  peace,  and  a  reftoration 
of  harmony,  with  that  republic.  But  fhould 
they  remain  implacable;  fhould  we  be  driv- 
en to  extremities ;  depending  fupremely  on 
the  patronage  of  the  Moft  High,  \ve  repofe 

firm 


40  PATRIOTIC 

€rm  confidence  in  the  wifdom  and  fidelity 
of  our  rulers,  with  the  fteady  patriodfm  and 
combined  exertions  of  our  fellow  citizens, 
for  maintaining  a  vigorous  defence.  We 
are  determined,  at  every  hazard,  to  fupport 
the  government  of  our  choice  :  and  to  thofe, 
to  whom  the  powers  of  government  are  en- 
trufted,  we  will  afford  our  hearty  concur- 
rence and  aid,  for  carrying  into  effecl  fuch 
ineafures  as  they  may  fee  fit  to  adopt  ;  hold- 
ing in  the  higheft  efiimation  our  rights  and 
interefts  as  a  free  and  independent  people  — 
thofe  rights  and  interefts  for  which  we  have 
once  contended,  and  which  it  is  our  fettled 
purpofe  never  to  refign. 


To'the  INHABITANTS  of  the  Town  of  SAL*  u^ 
in  the  State  ^MASSACHUSETTS., 

GENTLEMEN, 

THIS  addrefs,  fubfcribed  with  fuch 
unanimity  by  the  inhabitants  of  your  moft 
ancient  town,  whofe  fimplicity,  economy, 
induftry,  enterprize,  intelligence,  and  con- 
fequent  independence  and  opulence,  form 
a  model  deferving  the  imitation  of  all  your 
commercial  fellow-citizens,  ought  to  have 
great  weight,  wherever  it  appears. 

The  interference  of  the  people,  by  re- 
fpeclful  expreflions  of  their  fenfe  to  the  le- 
giflaturej  (at  all  times  their  right)  caruiot  be 

denied 


ADDRESSES,  ft 

denied  to  be  expedient  at  fuch  a  time  as  this, 
when  the  leaders  of  a  great  nation  are  in- 
flexibly purfuing  the  moft  injurious  and 
baneful  defigns  againft  us,  and  flattering 
themfelves  with  a  profpeft  of  fuccefs,  by  a 
feparation  of  the  people  from  the  govern- 
ment. Of  your  dilpofition  and  endeavours 
to  difappoint  thefe  expectations,  no  man^ 
who  knows  you,  will  doubt. 

Your  fatisfaclion  with  the  meafures  of  the 
Executive  is  very  grateful  to  me;  and  your 
fupreme  dependence  on  the  patronage  of 
the  Moft  High — the  firm  confidence  you. 
repofe  in  the  wifdom  and  fidelity  of  our  ru- 
lers, with  the  (leady  patriotifm, and  combined 
exertions,  of  our  fellow  citizens,  for  main- 
taining a  vigorous  defence — I  truft  will  not 
be  difappointed* 

The  determination,  at  every  hazard?  to 
fupportthe  government  of  your  choice,  and 
the  high  eftimation  in  which  you  hold'your 
rights,  as  a  free,  independent  people,  for 
which  you  have  once  contended,  and  which 
it  is  your  fettled  purpofe  never  to  refign,  are 
worthy  of  your  characters,  and  will  be  fully 
credited  by  all  the  world. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


Da  To 


4a  PATRIOTIC 

To  the  PRESIDENT  of  theUHLTED  STATES* 
SIR, 

jL  HE  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Newbury* 
Port,  fully  imprefled  with  the  prefent  im- 
portant crifis  of  public  affairs.,  are  prompted 
no  lefs  by  a  fenfe  of  duty  than  by  their  own 
feelings,  to  exprcfs  thole  fentiments,  which 
the  occafronfo  naturally  infpi res  in  the  bread 
of  every  American.  From  the  long  expe- 
rience of  your  conduct  in  the  many  public 
offices  to  which  you  have  been  called  by 
your  own  country,  they  feel  the  moft  perfect 
confidence  in  your  \vifdom, 'integrity  and 
patriotifm  ;  and  they  with  cheerfulnefs  de- 
clare their  entire  approbation  of  your  at- 
tempt to  ad j  uli  all  exifting  difputes  with  the 
French  republic,  by  an  amicable  negocia- 
tion  ;  of  that  fpirit  of  conciliation  which 
dictated  your  inftruBions  to  our  minifters  ; 
and  of  the  principles  of  juilice  on  which 
they  \vcre  founded.  They  learn  with  equal 
indignation  and  aftonifhment,  that  this  {pint 
of  conciliation  nas  been  repelled  with  con- 
tempt, that  tliefe  principles  of  juftice  have 
been  difiegarded,  and  that  a  heavy  tribute, 
•with  humiliating  conceflions  on  our  part,, 
have  been  propofed  to  us  in  a  manner  arbi- 
trary and  unfriendly,  as  the  price  at  which 
•we  muft  purchafe  the  right  of  being  heard. 
The  inhabitants  of  this  town  duly  appreciate 
the  bleflings  of  peace  and  neutrality  >  but 

they 


ADDRESSES.  43 

they  will  never  complain  at  the  lofs  of  thofe 
bleflings,  when  conftrained  to  facrifice  them 
to  the  honor,  the  dignity,  and  the  effential 
interelts  of  their  country.  They  confider 
the  prefent  interefting  (late  of  public  affairs 
as  a  folemn  appeal  to  the  hearts  of  all  inde- 
pendent Americans,  and  a  call  on  them  to 
come  forward  with  unanimity  and  firmnefis, 
in  fupport  of  the  government,  and.  of  the 
men  of  their  choice — to  refill  with  becomv 
ing  dignity  any  vain  attempt  to-  derogate 
from  our  common  fovereignty,  or  to  de- 
degrade  our  national  character  from  the 
rank  it  now  juftly  holds  among  nations — to 
convince  the  world  that  we  are  alike,  unin- 
fluenced by  corruption  and  by  fear — and 
that,  we  will  not  be  a  divided  people,  the 
miferable  flaves  of  a  foreign  power,  or  the 
defpicable  tools  of  foreign  influence. 

Impreffed  with  thefe  fentiments,  and  rely- 
ing with  full  confidence  on  the  wifdom  and 
patriotifm  of  every  branch  of  government, 
they  take  this  occafioh  folemnly  to  pledge 
their,  lives  and  fortunes  to  fupport  the  mea- 
fures  judged  neceffary  by  the  Prefident  and 
Congrefs,  to  preferve  and  fecure  the  happi- 
nefs,  the  dignity,  and  the  eflential  intereft  o£ 
the  United  States. 


44  PATRIOTIC 

To  the  INHABITANTS 


GENTLEMEN, 

THE  addrefs  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
ancient,  populous  and  wealthy  town  of  New* 
bury-  Port,  puffed  without  a  diffentient  voice 
at  a  late  meeting,  as  certified  by  your  feleft'- 
men,  and:  prefented  to  me  by  your  reprefeir- 
tative  in  Congrefs,  Mr.  Bartlet,  does  me 
great  honor. 

The  aftonifhment  and  indignation  you  ex- 
prefVat  the  contempt  with  which  a  i'pirit  of 
conciliation  has  been  repelled,  your  refolu- 
tion  never  to  complain  at  the  lofs  of  the 
bleffings  of  peace  and  neutrality,  when  con- 
ftrained  to  facrifice  them  to  the  honor,  dig- 
nity and  effential  intereft  of  your  country  ; 
to  refift  with  becoming,  dignity  any  vain  at- 
tempt to  derogate  from  our  common  f'over- 
eigiity,  or  to  degrade  our  national  charac- 
ter from  the  rank-itnow  juftly  holds  among 
nations-,  to  convince  the  world  that  you  are 
alike  uninfluenced  by  corruption  and  by 
fear,  that  you  are  not  a  divided  people,  the 
miferable  (laves  of  foreign  influence—  do 
equal  honor  to  your  hearts  and  judgment. 

Your  reliance,  with  full  confidence  on  the 
wifdom  and  patriotifm  of  every  branch  of 
the  government,  and  the  folemn  pledge  of 
your  lives  and  fortunes  to  fupport  the  mea- 
lures  of  the  legislature  and  ad  minift  ration, 

to 


ADDRESSES.  4$ 

to  preferve  and  fecurethe  happinefs,  dignity 
and  effential  intereft  of'the  United  States;  are 
all  the  affurances  which  the  beft  of  govern- 
ments could  defire  from  the  beft  of  citizens. 

JOHN  ADAMS, 


To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the 

UNITED  STA'TESV 
SIR, 

1  HE  Grand  Jurors  for  the  county  of 
Plymouth,  in  the  Commonwealth  of  MafTa- 
chuietts,  attending  at  the  Supreme  Judicial 
Court  for  faid  county,  have  been  led  by 
their  own  reflections  on  the  courfe  of  events, 
and  by  the  excellent  and  impreffive  obfer- 
vations  of  the  chief  Juftice  in  his  charge  at 
the  opening  of  the  court,  to  contemplate  the 
political  fituation  of  our  country  —  Many  of 
us  have  found  it  difficult  to  believe,  that  a 
nation  avowedly  ftruggling  for  liberty  and 
independence,  fhould  attempt  to  invade  «r 
impair  thofe  bleflings  where  they  are  quietly 
and  fully  enjoyed.  But  the  experience  of 
feveral  of  the  laft  years  of  our  hiftory,  has 
convinced  us  of  our  miftake.  While  occu- 
pied in  our  peaceful  labours,  we  have  feen 
the  fruits  of  thofe  labours  plundered  and 
condemned,  on  frivolous  and  groundlefo 
pretences,  by  profefled  friends.  Our  tran- 
quility  has  been  diflurbed  by  inceffant  ap- 

pestle 


46  FATRIOTIC 

peals  to  the  paffions  of  the  people,  by  fac^ 
tious  and  defigning  men  ;  and  by  repeated 
and  audacious  attempts  to  feparate  the  peo- 
ple from  the  government; — our  fincere  de- 
fire  for  peace  has  been  met  with  negleft  or 
contempt  ;  and  odious  and  extravagant  de- 
mands, dictated  by  rapacity- and  a  third  for 
boundlefs  rule,  have  been  made  the  terms 
of  negociation.  In  fuch  a  crifis,  when  all 
that  is  dear  and  valuable  to  freemen,  when 
liberty  and  independence,  national  honor, 
Social  order,  and  public  fafety  appear  to  be 
in  danger — a  danger  which  union  aloner 
under  the  bleffing  of  heaven,  can  repel :  We 
think  it  not  mproper  to  ftep  afide  from  the 
ordinary  duties  of  our  office,  and  to  exprefa 
to  you  our  grateful  acknowledgments  for 
the  firmriefs  and  difcretion  with  which  you 
have  encountered  fiich  new  and  peculiar 
difficulties.  We  are  affured  that  all  the  en- 
ergies of  our  common  country3  will  aid  you 
in  iuch  a  caufe. 

We  pray  the  God  of  all  intelligence  to 
preferve  the  force  of  your  mind  unabated, 
and  in  any  arduous  iffue,  to  which  the  arts 
or  arms  of  fuccefsful  violence  may  compel 
us,  we  pledge  ourfelves  "  as  become  faith- 
ful  citizens  of  this  happy  country,  as  one 
man,  to  come  forward  in  the  defence  of  all 
that  is  dear  to  us*" 


ADDRESSES.  47 

To  the  GRAND  JURY,  for  the  County  of  P  L  Y- 
H5m  the  State  of  MASSACHUSETTS. 


GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  your  addrefs, 
which  has  been  .tranfmitted  to  me,  accord- 
ing to  your  requeftj  by  the  chief  Juftice  of 
-the  Hate. 

Difficult  as  it  is  to  believe  that  a  nation 
ftruggling  or  pretending  to  ftruggle  for  lib- 
erty and  independence,  fhould  attempt  to 
invade  or  impair  thofe  bleffings,  where  they 
are  quietly  and  fully  enjoyed  ;  yet  thus  it 
is,  that  the  United  States  of  America  are 
not  the  only  example  of  it. 

While  occupied  in  your  peaceful  employ. 
ments,  you  have  feen  the  fruits  of  your  in- 
duftry  plundered  by  profefied  friends,  your 
tranquillity  has  been  drfturbed,  by  incefTant 
appeals  to  the.paffions  and  prejudices  of  the 
people,  by  defigning  men,  and  by  audacious 
attempts  to  feparate  the  people  from  the 
government  —  and  there  is  not  a  village  in 
the  United  States  perhaps,  which  cannot  tef- 
tify  to  fimilar  abtifes. 

Liberty,  independence,  national  honor, 
focial  order  and  public  fafety,  appear  to 
you  to  be  in  danger  ;  your  acknowledg- 
ments to  me,  therefore,  are  the  more  oblig- 
ing and  encouraging. 

o~V<     Your 


48  PATRIOTIC 

Your  prayers  for  my  prefervation,  and 
your  pledge  that  in  any  arduous  ifTue,  to 
\vhich  the  arts  or  arms  of  fuccefsful  violence 
may  compel  us,  you  will,  as  fiecomes  faith- 
ful citizens  of  this  happy  country,  come 
forward  as  one  man,  in  defence  of  all  that 
is  dear  to  us,  are  to  me  as  affecling,  as  to 
the  public  they  ought  to  be  fatisfaftory  fen- 
timents  —  the  more  affe&ing  to  me,  as  they 
come  from  the  moft  ancient  fetdement,  in 
the  northern  part  of  the  continent,  held  in 
peculiar  veneration  by  me  at  all  timeSr 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  theUxiTZD  STATES. 

SIR, 

W  HEN  we  contemplate  the  wifdom  and 
firmnefs,  the  integrity  and  magnanimity  of 
•our  national  Executive,  we  rejoice  that  we 
are  men,  we  boaft  that  we  are  Americans  ! 

When  Britain  treated  America  with  more 
than  ftepdame  cruelty,  the  daring  infant 
manfully  aiferted  her  rights,  and  bade  de- 
fiance to  her  foe.  A  furviving  few  of  us 
acled  on  the  memorable  tgth  of  April  —  we 
faw  unfheathed  the  firft  conquering  fword-— 
Concord  drank  the  firft  blood  of  martyred 
freemen—  here  commenced  a  conteft.  dubi- 
ous for  Columbia  ;  but  by  the  perilous  pa- 

trio  tifm 


ADDRESSES.  49 

triotifm  of  her  fons,  and  the  all-conquering 
fword  of  GOD  and  Wafhington,  fhe  won 
her  Sovereign  independence,  and  founded  a 
growing  empire  on  the  indeflruclible  bafis  of 
juftice  and  equal  rights. 

We,  Sir,  having  kept  a  watchful  eye  on 
your  aftive  merit,  from  the  firft  dawn  of 
your  political  exigence,  until  you  rofe  to 
the  acme  of  political  greatnefs,  recognize 
with  warmeft  gratitude  your  fignal  fervicesj 
during  the  temped  of  a  revolution,  which 
challenges  obliterating  time  to  blot  it  from 
the  fcroll  of  fame.  We  revere  your  invi- 
olable attachment  to  the  interefls  of  our 
country,  which  /none  with  eclat,  in  framing 
and  defending  our  immortal  conflitution, 
which  exhibits  wifdom,  inferior  only  to 
divine. 

While  we  view  with  full  eft  fatisfa&ion, 
peerlcfs  Wafhington's  equitable  adminiftra- 
tion,  we  cordially  acquiefce,  in  the  unfliak- 
en  reftitude,  the  amicable  difpofition,  and 
the  vigorous  meafures  now  adopted  by  our 
Executive  towards  an  afpiring  power,  who, 
unprovoked, hasoutraged  the  piracy  and  per- 
fidy of  Gothic  darknefsandVandal  barbarity; 
who  has  perpetrated  crimes  unparalleled  ir* 
the  hiftory  of  man  !  France,  grafping  at  uni- 
vct-fal  domination,!ias abandoned  every  mor- 
al andrcligiousprinciple;  trampled  on facred 
faitli,  fported  with  national  laws,and  demand- 
E  ed 


50  PATRIOT  L  C 

^d  pecuniary  exaclions,  which  would  bank- 
rupt our  nation,  and  render  us  flaves,  inftead 
of  a  free,  foverejgn  and  independent  people. 
Shall  we  fubmir  to  thefe  repeated  infults, 
and  humiliating  demands,  or  refolve,  in  holy 
remembrance  of  thofe  who  bled,  that  we  wili 
defend  by  our  valor,  what  they  won  by  their 
blood  ?  We  would  not  di&ate,  but  fhould 
the  crifis  demand,  we  will  rally  round  the 
flandard  of  our  government,  and  under  the 
direftidn  of  the  concentrated  wifdom  of  the 
union,  make  a  free-will  offering  of  our  lives 
and  fortunes,  foon.er  than  truckle  to  the 
mandates  of  any  foreign  power.  We  will 
glorioufly  perifh  in  the  attempt  ;  or  unful- 
lied,  tranfmi.t  to  pofterity,  what  we  received 
in  early  days,  from  thofe  who  are  now 
transmitted  to  brighter  worlds,  or  trembling 
beneath  the  weight  of  age. 

We,  in  unifon  with  the  Union,  will  con- 
vince France  and  the  world,  that  the  divine 
enthufiafm  of  '75,  glows  in  the  bofom  of 
each  genuine  American,  and  under  Provi- 
dence, will  render  Columbia  as  formidable 
to  her  foes,  as  was  Michael's  fword  from  the 
the  armoury  of  God,  to  the  rebel  angels  of 
Heaven  ! 


TQ 


ADDRESSES.  5! 

To  //^INHABITANTS  o/CoNCO'AD  ^MAS- 
SACHUSETTS. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  this  addrefs.  Your 
encomium  on  the  Executive  authority  of  the 
national  government,,  is  in  a  degree  Highly 
flattering. 

As  f  have  ever  wifhed  to  avoid,  as  far  as 
prudence  and  neceffity  would  permit,  every 
concealment  from  my  fellow  citizens,  of  my 
real  fentiments,  in  matters  of  importance,  I 
\vill  venture  to  afk  you  whether  it  is  confid- 
ent with  the  peace  we  have  made,  the  friend- 
fhip  we  have  ftipulated,  or  even  with  civil- 
ity, to  exprefs  a  marked  refentment  to  a 
foreign  power  \vho  is  at  war  with  another, 
\vhofe  ill  will  we  experience  every  day,  and 
\vho  will,  very  probably5  in  a  few  weeks,  be 
acknowledged  an  enemy  in  the  fenfe  of  the 
law  of  nations  ?  A  power,  too,  which  inva- 
riably acknowledged  Us 'to  be  a  nation  for 
fifteen  years  ;  a  power  that  has  never  had 
the  infolence  to  rejeft  your  ambaffadors  ;  a 
power  that  at  prefent  convoys  your  trade 
and  their  own  at  the  fame  time.  Immortal 
hatred,  inextinguifliable  animofity,  is  neither 
philofophy,  true  religion,  nor  good  policy. 
Our  ancient  maxim  was,  "  Enemies  in  war, 
in  peace  friends." 

If  Concord  drank  the  firft  blood  of  mar- 
tyred freemen,  Concord  fhould  be  the  firft 

to 


52  P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 

to  forget  the  injury,  when  it  is  no  longer 
ufeful  to  remember  it.  Some  of  you,  as 
well  as  myfelf,  remember  the  war  of  1755^ 
as  well  as  that  of  1775.  War  always  has 
its  horrors,  and  civil  wars  the  worft. 

If  tfc.e  conteft  you  allude  to  was  dubious, 
it  was  from  extrinfic  caufes  ;  it  was  from 
partial,  enthufiaftic  and  habitual  attachment 
to  a  foreign  country—not  from  any  queftion 
of  a  party  of  ftrength.  It  is  highly  ufeful  to 
refle£t~-5O,ooo  men  upon  paper,  and  30.000 
men  in  fact,  was  the  higheft  number  Britain 
ever  had  in  arms  hi  this  country-— compute 
the  tonnage  of  {hips  necefTary  and  actually 
employed,  to  tranfport  thefe  troops  acrols 
the  Atlantic  ;  What  were  30,000  men  to 
the  United  States  of  America,  in  1775  ? 
What  would  6o,oco  be  now  in  1798  ? 

Let  not  fond  attachments,  entbufiaftic  de- 
votion, to  another  power,  paralize  the  nerves 
of  our  citizens  a  fecond  time,  and  all  the 
ffoips  in  Europe  that  can  be  fpa  red,  office  red 
and  manned,  will  not  be  fufficient  to  bring 
to  this  country  an  army  capable  of  any  long 
conteft. 

Your  compliments  to  me  are  far  beyond 
my  merits  :  Your  confidence  in  the  govern- 
ment, and  determination  to  fupport  it,  are 
greatly  to  your  honor. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

From 


ADDRESSES.  53 

From  the  I  N  H  A B  i  T  A  N  T s  of  the  Town  of  II  A- 
VERHILL,  in  MASSACHUSETTS,  to  the 
PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATES. 

SIR, 

WHILE  we  difapprove  an  interference 
of  the  people  with  the  adminiftration  of  our 
national  government,  we  confider  it  our  du- 
ty, at  this  time,  to  affure  you  that  the  mea- 
fures  you  have  adopted  and  purfued,  as  firft 
magiftrate  of  the  Union,  have  uniformly 
met  our  hearty  concurrence. 

In  full  confidence  that  thofe  meafures 
have  Been  dictated  by  wifdom  and  the  pureft 
principles  of  patriotifm,  we  cannot  withhold 
the  expreflion  of  our  grateful  thanks  for 
your  undeviating  firmnefs  in  their  execution. 

Your  late  exertions  to  redrefs  our  wrongs, 
to  accommodate  differences  unhappily  ex- 
ifting  between  this  country  and  the  French 
republic,  to  conciliate  the  affeftions  of  our 
allies,  to  preferve  our  neutrality,  to  eftablifh 
our  peace  and  happinefs,  and  above  all,  to 
fupport  the  independence,  dignity  and  free- 
dom of  the  United  States,  afford  the  higheft 
evidence  of  the  juftice  and  wifdom  of  your 
adminiftration  ;  and  demand,  in  an  eminent 
degree,  the  gratitude  of  every  patriotic  - 
American. 

We  humbly  deprecate  the   calamities  of 
\var ;  but  when  the  fafety,  the  independence, 
the  freedom  of  our  country  require—Under 
E  2  the 


54  PATRIOTIC 

the  dire&ion  of  the  government  of  our  choice* 
imploring  the  bleflings  of  heaven,  we  are 
prepared  with  our  property,  and  at  the  haz- 
ard of  our  lives,  to  fupport  our  government, 
to'virfdicate  our  rights,  and  to  defend  oar 
country. 

To  the  lx  H  A  B  i  T  A  N  T  s  cf  the  Town  q/H  A  v  £  a— 
i) i  LL,  in  the  State  oj  MASSACHUSETTS. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  a  refpeclful  and 
affeQionateaddreis,  which  has  been  prefent- 
ed  to  me  by  Mr.  Bartlett,  your  reprefenta- 
tive  in  Congrefs. 

The  interference  of  the  people  with  the 
adminiftration  of  the  national  government, 
in  ordinary  cafes,  would  be  not  only  ufelefs 
and  unnecefiary,  but  very  inconvenient  and 
expenfive  to  them,  if  not  calculated  to  dil- 
turb  the  public  councils  with  prejudices, 
paflions,  local  views,  and  partial  interefts 
•which  would  better  be  at  reft ;  but  there  are 
fome  great  conjunBures  in  which  it  is  prop- 
er, and  in  fuch  a  government  as  ours,  per- 
haps neceffary.  If  ever  fuch  an  occaiioa 
can  occur,  the  prefent  is  one. 

Your  afifurance  to  me  that  the  meafures 
1  have  adopted,  as  firft  magiftrate  of  the 
Union,  have  uniformly  met  your  hearty  con- 
currence, and  your  declaration  that  you  are 
prepared  with  yourproperty,andatthe  haz- 
ard 


ADDRESSES.  55 

* 

ard  of  your  lives,  to  fupport  your  govern- 
ment, vindicate  your  rights  and  defend  your 
country,  are  to  me  great  confolation. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  and  CONGRESS  of  the 

UNITED  STATES. 

\ 

a  crifis  in  which  the  dignity  and  inde- 
pendence of  the  United  States  is  at  flake--- 
at  a  moment  when  an  union  of  fentiment  is 
necefTary  to  be  evinced--- 

The  fubfcribers,  inhabitants  and  citizens 
of  the  town  of  Gloucefter,  in  the  Common- 
wealth of  Maffachufeits,  cannot  fail  of  ex- 
preffing  their  fulled  approbation  of  the  wife 
and  magnanimous  conduct  of  the  Prcfidcnt 
of  the  United  States,  relative  to  our  foreign 
relations,  more  particular'-y  for  the  meafures 
adopted  by  him  for  the  honorable  adjufl- 
mcnt  of  any  exifting  difficulties  between  the 
French  republic  and  this  country,  and  his 
inftru&ions  to  our  envoys  to  eileft  this  cle- 
firable  purpofe  :  Nor  can  they  refrain  from 
declaring  their  utmoft  confidence  in  the  vir- 
tue, wifdom  and  prudence  of  the  national 
government. 

And  while  they  deprecate  the  evils  of 
war,  mould  fo  unhappy  an  event  take  place, 
(which  may  God  in.  his  infinite  mercy  avert) 

—They 


5€  PATRIOTIC 

—They  raoft  facredly  avow  their  determt- 
nation  to  fupport  theconftitution,and  at  the 
rifk  of  their  lives  and  fortunes  to  prefers 
inviolate,  the  rights  and  liberties  of  their 
country. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  and  CONOR  ESS   of 
UN  ITED  STATES, 


this  important  crifis,  we  the  fubfcri- 
bers,  citizens  of  Roxbtiry,  in  the  Common- 
wealth of  MafTacbufetts,  in  order  to  coa- 
vince  the  world,  as  far  as  lies  within  our 
power,  that  the  citizens  of  thefe  ftates,  are 
not  a  people  feparated  from  their  govern- 
ment', but  firmly  attached  to  its  interefts  ;  at 
the  fame  time  impreffed  with  the  fulleft  con* 
vi6tion,  of  the  purity  of  their  intention,  as 
well  as  the  ability  and  wifdom  of  their  ad- 
miniftration,  feel  it  our  duty  to  declare  in 
this  explicit  manner,  an  approbation  of  their 
conducl,and  determination  to  fupport,  with 
our  lives  and  fortunes,  fuch  mealures  as 
they  Uiall  determine  moft  conducive  to  the 
fafety  and  profperity  of  the  nation.. 

In  the  convulfions  of  Europe,  it  is  mo# 
devoutly  to  be  wimed,  that  America  may 
not  be  involvech:--That  the  freed,  and  moil 
peaceable  government  in  the  world,  may 
cxercife  its  internal  concern^  without  any 

external 


ADDRESSES.  57 

external  controul  or  influence  :~-That  no 
tribute  or  arbitrary  exactions  may  ever  be 
iinperioufly  demanded  ;  and  that  the  price 
of  peace  may  never  be  national  degradation. 
With  thefe  fentiments,  \ve  beg  leave  to  af- 
faire the  whole  government,  that  we  will 
readily,  and  cheerfully  co-operate  in  fucH 
ineafures,  as  our  own  authorities,  lawfully 
confiituted,fhall  deem  neceffary,  to  preferve 
the  union,  and  fupport  the  independence  of 
of  the  United  States  of  America. 


To  the  CITIZENS  of  Ro  x  B  u n Y,  in  the  StaU 
of  MASSACHUSETTS. 

GENTLEMEN', 

A  RESPECTFUL  addrefs,  to  the 
Prefident  and  Congrefs  of  the  United  States, 
fubfcribed  by  one  hundred  and  thirty-four 
citizens  of  Roxbury,  has  been  prefented  to 
me,  by  Mr.  Otis,  your  reprefentative  in 
Congrefs. 

Your  teflimony  to  the  purity  of  the  inter* 
tions,  as  well  as  to  the  ability  and  wifdom  of 
the  adminiftration  ;  your  approbation  of 
their  conduct,  and  determination  to  fupport 
with  your  lives  and  fortunes,  fuch  meafures 
as  they  fhall  determine  moft  conducive  to 
the  fafety,  and  profpe^ity  of  the  nation,  are 
peculiarly  agreeable  to  me. 

It 


58  PATRIOTIC 

It  is  indeed  devoutly  to  be  \vifhed,  that 
in  the  convulfions  of  Europe,  America 
might  not  be  involved—  but  the  wifhes,  and 
prayers  of  the  beft  of  men,  and  moft  virtu- 
ous nations  for  peace,  are  not  always  heard 
.-the  wifhes  of  America  have  been  fo  ob- 
vioufly  juft  and  reafonable,  that  all  the  pow- 
ers of  Europe,  appear  to  have  (hewn  them 
fome  refpe6l,  excepting  one,  which  feems  to 
have  left  us  no  alternative. 

JOHN  ADAMS; 


To  //^PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATE* 

of  AMERICA. 
SIR, 

Jt1  ULLY  imprefTed  with  a  fenfe  of  the  im- 
portance of  confiding  in  rulers  of  our  own 
choice,  efpecially  when  they  have  been  long 
employed,  and  often  times  in  the  moft  tiy- 
ing  circumftances,  in  the  fervice  of  their 
country,  and  have  ever  been  found  faithful 
to  its  interefts  :  We  the  fubfcribers,  inhab- 
itants of  the  town  of  Cambridge,  take  the  lib- 
erty at  this  important.crifis  of  our  public  af- 
fairs, of  exprefling  our  high  fatisfa£tion  in 
your  adminiftration. 

The  part  you  have  frequently  had  to  ac\ 
in  your  various  important  and  highly  re- 
fponfible  public  employments,  has  fome- 
times  been  attended  \vith  great  difficulties 

and 


ADDRESSES.  59 

and  embarraffments  ;    but  you  have  ever 
difcharged  y>ur  diuy  with  diitinguifhed  hon- 
or to  yourielf  and  advantage  to  theie  dates. 
We  are  perfuaded,  Sir,  that  your  fituation 
could  never  have  been  more  difficult  and 
.trying,  than  ,fince  you   have  been   in  your 
.prefent  office,  efpecially  as  it  has  refpeded 
our  difpute  with  France  ;  but  with  plea fu re 
^\ve  perceive  from  your  late  communications 
.to  Congrefs,  that  your  whole   conduct  in 
this  bufiqefs  has  been  marked  with  the  high- 
eft  wifdom,  and  that  you  have  done  every 
thing  on  your  part,  by  the  mo  ft  prudent  and 
conciliating  meafures  to  fettle  all  differences 
.between  this  country  and  that  republic,  upon 
principles  of  .equity  ;  wjiile  with  jull  indig- 
natipn  we  difcover  in   the  French  govern- 
ment, a   conducl  direftiy  the  reverie,  and 
requifitions,  merely  preparatory  to  negotia- 
tion, which,  if  complied  with,  would  place 
us  in  the  lowefl  (late  of  degradation,  and 
render  us  unworthy  the  character  of  a  free, 
fovereign    and  independent   nation.      We 
have  the  firmed  confidence,  that  the  mea- 
fures of  our  national  government  will  con- 
tinue to  be  marked,  under  your  adminiftra- 
tion,  with  that  integrity,  wifdom  and  firrnnefs 
which  have  diftinguiflied  it  from  its  firfl  ef- 
tablifhment,  and  we  truft,  under  Providence, 
will  prove  its  impregnable  defence. 

Although   we  lament,  Sir,  the  occafion, 
%v7]iich  fcemed  to  require  a  difclofure  of  your 

inft  ructions 


60  PATRIOTIC 

inftru&ions  to  (he  American  envoys,  and  of 
their  communications;  yet  we  rejoice  mod 
fincerely  in  its  happy  effecl  upon  the  public 
mind,  which  has  been  thereby  awakened, 
enlightened  and  ftrengthened.  This  good 
effect  is  confpicuous  in  many  of  the  inhab- 
itants of  this  town,  whofe  late  refolves,  me- 
morial and  addrcfs,  implicitly  criminating 
the  views  and  adminiliration  of  the  fupreme^ 
Executive,  were  prematurely  and  inconfid- 
erately  adopted  from  partial  and  erroneous 
conceptions,  and  an  honed,  but  mifguided 
attachment  to  the  French  nation  and  gov- 
ernment. While  we- offer  this  apology  for 
thofe  hafty  proceedings,  we  cannot  but  ex- 
prefs  our  unqualified  difapprobation  of 
them,  as  unfounded,  improper,  and  highly 
injurious  to  the  Prefident  of  the  Union. 

The  intrigues  of  the  French  rulers,  and 
the  principles  upon  which  they  have  fora 
long  time  a&ed,  of  revolutionizing  govern- 
ments, even  repub  ics,  with  which  they  have 
no  right  to  interfere,  we  abhor  and  will 
firmly  oppofe.  We  \vifh  not  their  aid  to 
teach  us  the  principles  of  national  liberty  or 
law  to  govern  ourfelves.  As  we  will  not 
tamely  become  tributary  to  gratify  their  av- 
aricious and  defpotic  views ;  fo  we  revolt 
at  the  idea  of  fuffering  them  to  model  our 
governments,  or  to  ditiate  to  us  tiie  perfons 
who  (hall  adminiffer  them. 

Knowing 


ADDRESSES.  61 

Knowing  and  feeling  ourfelves  to  be  free 
and  happy  under  our  prefent  government, 
we  believe  any  change  would  be  for  the 
worfe.  Around  the  ftandard  of  our  own 
government  only  will  we  rally  ;  and  we 
folemnly  renew  our  obligations,  and  pledge 
ourfelves  to  defend  it  to  the  utmofl  of  our 
abilities,  againft  domeftic  faclion,  and  for- 
eign influence  or  invafion,  as  againft  ;:  the 
peftilence  that  walketh  in  darknefs,  and  the 
deftruftion  which  wafteth  at  noonday." 

Accept,  Sir,  our  cordial  congratulations 
on  the  prefent  more  favorable  afpe6l  of  our 
national  concerns.  We  hope  that  none  will 
continue  to  affert.  that  the  people  of  thefe 
flates  are  feparate  from,  and  at  enmity  with 
their  government ;  and  we  trull  that  the 
union,  which  fo  happily  fubfifts  among  the 
citizens  at  large,  will  be  followed  by  a  per- 
fe£t  harmony  in  our  public  councils,  in  all 
meafures  requifite  to  a  complete  vindica- 
tion and  fupport  of  our  dignity  and  interefts, 
as  a  free,  fovereign,and  independent  nation. 


To  the  INHABITANTS  of  the  Town  of  CAM- 
BRIDGE ,  in  the  State  ofM  ASS  A  c  H  u  s  E  x  xs. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  this  addrefs,  fub- 

fcribed  by  fo  large  a  number  of  refpeftable 

F  names, 


62  PATRIOTIC 

names,  and  for  the  expreffion  of  your  fatis^ 
faction  in  my  admini  {{.ration. 

Difficulties  were  the  inheritance  to  which 
I  \va6  born,  and  a  double  portion  has  been 
alotted  to  me.  1  have  hitherto  found  in  my 
integrity,  an  impenetrable  fhield,  and  I  truft 
it  will  continue  to  preferve  me. 

I  pity  the  towns  which  under  the  guid- 
ance of  rafh  or  defigning  men,  aflcmbled 
without  the  neceflary  information,  and  pa  fl- 
ed refolutions,  which  have  expofed  them  to 
cenfurc. 

I  receive  and  return  with  pleafure  your 
congratulations  on  the  prefent  appearances 
of  national  union,  and  thank  you  for  your 
a&irances  of  Cupport. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT   of  tie 
UNITED  STATES  of  AM  ERICA. 

SIR, 

W  S,  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Med- 
ford, in  the  State  of  Maffachufetts, approach 
you  with  refpe.6:  and  veneration  ;  not  folely 
becauie  you  fill  a  high  and  important  ftation, 
' — but  becaufc  you  fill  it  with  uprightnefs, 
dignity  and  honor. 

When  moft  of  the  governments  of  the  old 
\vorld  are  agitated  to  their  centres,  and   by 

th.e 


ADDRESSES1.  63? 

infidious  policy  of  the  agents,  thofc 
whom  we  have  been  accuftomed  to  view  as 
friends,  our  nation  is  menaced  by  a  fimilaf 
calamity  : — When  to  moderate,  and  equita- 
ble demands  for  redrefs  of  wrongs,  nothing 
has  been  received  but  a  reiteration  of  infults 
and  an  accumulation  of  injuries  ;  the  crifis 
feems  to  derfrand  a  public  expreflion  of  at- 
tachment to  the  conftitution  and  government 
of  our  country.  We  confider  it  an  abfurd 
and  ridiculous  affumption,  that  all  the  vari- 
ous defcriptions  of  mankind  fhould  be  ca- 
pacitated to  jitdge  of  the  advantages  or  dif- 
advantages  of  treaties — of  the  propriety  of 
war,  or  of  peace.  Happily  for  the  Amerf- 
can  people,  thofe  high  attributes  of  national 
fovereignty  are  delegated  to  fucli  a  number, 
as  is  beft  to  produce  and  fecure  the  union  of 
liberty  with  the  good  government  of  laws-. 

Should  our  confidence  Ire  mifplaced,  a 
flrong  and  efleftual  remedy  is  provided  in 
the  revolution  of  elections.  We  therefore 
difclaim  the  do&rine  of  the  right  u  to  clog 
the  wheels  of  government." — We  would  on- 
ly declare,  that  the  fyftcm  which  under  the 
late  and  prefent  admini  11  ration,  has  been 
productive  of  ib  much  national  profperity, 
as  it  commands  our  warmed:  attachment,  fo 
it  is  entitled  to  our  rnoft  energetic  fupport : 
— That,  though  the  fentiinents  for  peace 
univerfally  pervades  the  nation,  yet  there  is 
a  point  of  degradation  to  which  the  juft  pride 

of 


$4  PATRIOTIC 

of  Americans  will  never  fuffer  them  to  ftoop} 
and,  tha{  fooner  than  yield  our  liberties  to 
anarchical  defpotifm,  an  appeal  to  the  lalt 
reafon  of  ftates,  becomes  the  higheft  duty  of 
freemen.  In  fine,  we  cordially  obey  the 
iblemn  dictates  of  the  prefent  eventful  mo- 
ment, to  rally  round  the  conftitution  and 
government  of  our  country,  and  on  the  al- 
tar of  freedom,  once  more  fwear  to  prefcrvc 
and  defend  them — once  more  pledge  there- 
to— "  our  lives,  our  fortunes,  and  our  facred 
honor." 

TO  the  INHABITANTS  cf  M  E  D  F  o R  D,  in  the 
Stale  of  MASSACHUSETTS. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  this  addrefs— ex- 
preflive  as  it  is  concife — which  has  been 
prefented  to  me  by  your  reprefentative  in 
Congrefs,  Mr.  Sewall. 

The  advantages  and  difadvantagcs  of 
treaties,  and  the  propriety  of  war  or  peace, 
depend  commonly  upon  a  fyftem  of  infor- 
mation fo  complicated,  that  it  requires  all 
the  time  of  the  people  to  poffefs  themfelves 
of  it ;  and  frequently  much  of  it  is  of  a  na- 
ture which  cannot  be  laid  open  to  public 
view.  It  feems  therefore  inevitable,  that 
thofe  high  attributes  of  national  fovereignty, 
ihould  be  delegated  to  fuch  a  number  as  is 

beft 


ADDRESSES.  65 

bcft  calculated  to  produce  and  fecure  the 
union  of  liberty  with  the  governmentof  laws. 

Your  declaration,  that  the  fyftem  of  the 
late  and  prefent  adminift ration  commands 
your  warmeft  attachment,  and  is  entitled  to 
your  moft  energetic  fupport,  becaufe  it  has 
been  productive  of  fo  much  national  prof- 
perity,  is  very  confolatory. 

The  oath  you  have  again  taken  on  the  al- 
tar of  freedom,  to  preferve  your  conftitution 
and  government,  will  be  regarded  by  all  who 
know  you  as  iblemn  and  fincere — not  like 
thofe  of  eternal  enmity  to  tyranny  and  anar- 
chy, taken  by  thofe  moderns,  who  by  their 
arts  and  arms,  are  daily  extending  and  prop- 
agating both. 

There  is  indeed  a  point  of  degradation  to 
-which  the  juft  pride  "of  Americans  will  never 
fufFer  them  to  (loop.  Sooner  than  yield  our 
liberties  to  anarchical  defpotifm,  an  appeal 
to  the  laft  reafon  of  republics,  becomes  the 
higheft  duty  of  freemen. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UN  ITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

A.  NUMBER  of  the  inhabitants  of  Ded- 

ham,  and  other  towns  in  the  vicinity,  in  the 

county  of  Norfolk,  in  MafTachufettSjaflem- 

F  2  bled 


06  PATRIOTIC 

bled  at  Dedham,  to  commemorate  the  4th  of 
July,  '76  ;  having  been  led  by  the  occafion 
to  confider  the  infults,  perfidy,  and  hoftile 
aggreflions  of  France  again II  the  United 
States,  prefume  to  addrefs  you  their  fend- 
ments  on  the  prefent  afpecl:  of  public  affairs. 

Many,  too  many,  confidered  independ- 
ence, when  it  was  recognized  by  the  peace 
of '83,  as  a  condition  of  perpetual  national 
repole.  By  reprefling  our  own  ambition,, 
and  purfuing  a  juft  and  pacific  policy,  fo 
obvioufly  the  wifeft  for  the  United  States,, 
and  which  we  acknowledge  its  government 
has  mod  faithfully  purfued,  they  fuppofed 
one  half  the  caufes,  that  engender  wars, 
would  be  removed  ;  and,  as  a  fecurity 
againft  the  contingency  of  the  other  half, 
they  relied  on  the  interefl  of  foreign  nations 
to  court  our  friendfhip,  as  well  as  on  the 
flendernefs  of  their  motives  to  provoke  our 
hoftility.. 

Thefe  hopes,  and  half  the  foundation  for 
them,  were  fallacious;  and  moftof  all  have 
they  proved  falfe^in  our  blind  dependence 
on  the  faith  and  jiiflice,  the  friendfhip  and 
gratitude  of  France. 

From  political  miOnformation,  which,  we 
regret  to  fay,  has  been  peculiarly  aBive  in 
the  fcene  we  inhabit,  too  many  have  believ- 
ed, that  France,  though  crufhed  under  the 
iron  rigor  of  a  military  defpotifm,  enjoyed 

liberty  >. 


ADDRESSES.  67 

liberty  ;  that  the  inordinate  thirft  of  her  Til- 
lers for  dominion,  was  infpired  by  a  gener- 
ous zeal  to  fet  oppreffed  nations  free  ;  that 
thefe  nations  were  emancipated  by  being 
fubdued ;  and,  though  they  loll  their  inde- 
pendence, they  were  gainers  by  fome  un- 
known equivalent,  gratuitoufly  conferred 
by  their  conquerors.  If,  befides  the  abfurd- 
ity  of  thefe  opinions,  you  fhould  difcern  in 
them  fomething  like  infatuation  and  debafe- 
ment,  you  will  afcribe  it,  Sir,  to  its  proper 
caufe.  The  government  of  France  and  its 
emiflaries,  while  they  defpifedand  outraged 
the  ever  venerable  principles  of  liberty,, 
praBifed  amongft  us  a  fuccefsful  impofture 
with  the  name.  But,  by  the  publication  of 
the  diplomatic  correlpondenee  with  France, 
the  period  of  infatuation  has.  we  truft,  patted 
over — not  indeed  without  fome  temporary 
difcredit  to  the  fobriety  and  Iteaclinefs  of 
the  American  charader  ;  but  we  hope  with 
much  folid  and  laftinginftruclion  to  our  na- 
tion. We  think.it  candid,  however,  to  de- 
clare our  belief,  and  events  have  confirmed 
it,  that  many?  in  the  midft  of 'their  delufion 
for  France,  preferred  a  fuperior  affe&ion 
for  their  own  country.  We  have  indeed 
generally  thought  too  well  of  France,  and 
France  too  meanly  of  us — too  meanly  of 
our  fpirit  and  union.  But  fhe  will  learn 
that  we  will  bear  no  foreign  yoke — we  will- 
pay  no  tribute.  And  we  beg  leave  to  affure 


68  PATRIOTIC 

you.  Sir.  that  we  perceive  the  fruifleffiiefs, 
we  might  fay  the  fatal  rafhnefs,  as  well  as 
ineannefs  of  trufting  any  further  to  delaying 
eounfels,  and  delu&ve  negociations.  We 
fee  alfo,  and  we  lament,  that  our  nation  has 
feen  fo  late,  that  the  fafe  keeping  of  Ameri- 
can independence  is,  like  that  of  every  other 
free  ftate,  in  the  energy  of  its  fpirit  and  re- 
fburces  ;  nor  will  we  difgrace  ourfelves  by 
hefitating  a  moment  between  war  and  fub- 
miflion  to  the  exaclions  of  France.  Yet 
fuch  is  the  alternative  plainly  before  us. 

If  our  fathers  had  not  felt  fentimcnts  like 
thefe,they  would  not  have  gained  independ- 
ence, and  if  we  did  not  feel  them,  it  would 
not  reach  pollerity. 


To  ike  INHABITANTS  of  DEDHAW,  and 
other  Towns  in  its  -vicinity,  in  the  County 
of  NORFOLK,  in  MASSACHUSETTS. 

GENTLEMEN,, 

I  THANK  you  for  a  friendly  addrefs, 
prefented  to  me  by  your  reprefentative  in- 
Congrefs,  Mr.  Otis. 

No  faithful  and  intelligent  American 
could  pafs  the  4th  of  July,  this  year,  without 
ftrong  ienfations  and  deep  reflections,  ex- 
cited by  the  perfidy,  infolence,  and  hoftili- 
ties  of  France.  The  ideas  of  never  ending 
repofe  in  America,  were  as  viiionary  as  the 

projecls 


ADDRESSES.  69 

projects  of  univerfal  and  perpetual  peace, 
•which  fome  ingenious  and  benevolent  wri- 
ters have  amufed  themfelves  in  compofing. 

'We  have  too  much  intercourfe  \vith  am- 
bitious enterprizing  and  warlike  nations  ; 
and  our  commerce  is  of  too  much  import- 
ance in  their  conflicts,  to  leave  us  a  hope  of 
remaining  always  neutral.  Although  our 
government  has  exhaufted  all  the  refources 
of  its  policy  in  endeavours  to  avoid  engag- 
ing in  the  prefent  uproar,  neither  the  faith, 
juRice  or  gratitude  of  France  would  fuffer 
it  to  fucceed. 

I  know  very  well  that  political  mifinfor- 
mation  has  been  peculiarly  a61ive  in  the 
fcene  which  you  and  I  inhabit,  and  that  too 
many  have  believed  that  France,  though, 
crufhed  under  jhe  iron  hand  of  a  military 
defpotifm,  enjoyed  liberty  ;  that  the  inordi- 
nate ambition  of  her  rulers  for  dominion 
was  infufed  by  a  generous  zeal  to  fet  op- 
prefled  nations  free  ;  that  thefe  nations  were 
emancipated  by  being  fubdued,  and  though 
they  loR  their  independence,  they  were  gain- 
ers by  fome  unknown  equivalent  gratuitouf- 
ly  conferred  by  their  conquerors. 

If  irnpoftures  fo  grofs.have  had  too  much 
fuccefs,  America  is  of  all  the  people  of  the 
world  the  mod  excufeable,  for  many  partic- 
ular reafons,  for  their  credulity.  The  peo- 
ple of  a  great  portion  of  Europe  have  been 

more 


?d>  PATRIOTIC 

more  fatally  deceived  ;  even  the  people  of 
England,  with  all  their  national  antipathies, 
and  under  all  the  energies  of  their  govern- 
ment, have  been  equally  miftnformed,  and 
appear  to  be  now  more  affected  with  re- 
morfe.  The  fobriety  and  fteadinefs  of  the 
American  character,  will  not  fuffer  more 
diicredit  than  other  nations,  and  we  have 
certaily  apologies  ta  make, peculiar  to  our- 
felves. 

That  all  Americans  by  birth,  except  per- 
haps  a  very  few  abandoned  characters,  have 
always  preferved  a  fuperior  affection  for 
their  own  country,  I  am  very  confident ; 
that  we  have  thought  too  well  of  France, 
and  France  too  meanly  of  us,  I  have  been 
an  eye  and  ear  witnefs  for  twenty  years. 
Thefe  errors  on  both  fides  muft  be  correct- 
ed— me  will  foon  learn  that  we  will  bear  no 
yoke,  that  we  will  pay  no  tribute. 

For  delaying  counfels,  the  conftitution 
has  not  ma-de  me  reiponfible  ;  but  while  I 
am  entrufted  with  my  preferrt  powers,  and 
bound  by  rny  prefent  obligations,  you  lhali 
fee  no  more  delufive  negociations.  The 
fafe  keeping  of  American  independence  is 
in  the  energy  of  its  fpirit  and  refources.  In 
my  opinion,  as  well  as  yours,  there  is  no  al- 
ternative between  war  and  fubmiffion  to  the 
Executive  of  France.  If  your  fathers  had 
not  felt  fcnthnents  like  thefe,  they  would 

have 


ADDRESSES.  71 

have  been  "  hewers  of  wood"  to  one  foreign 
nation  ;  and  if  you  did  not  feel  them,  your 
pofterity  would  be  "  drawers  of  water"  to 
Another. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the 

UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 


inhabitants  of  this  ancient  town  which 
gave  you  birth,  although  now  by  its  divifion, 
Ouincy  is  honored  as  the  place  of  your  ref- 
idence,  we  retain  that  affection  and  efteeni 
for  your  perfonal  honor  and  happinefs, 
which  are  the  natural  refult  of  fuch  a  con- 
neclion  ;  yet  this  is  a  circumftance  of  very 
fmall  confideraticn,  compared  with  other 
reafons  of  attachment  and  veneration,  whidi 
upon  this  trying  crifis  of  political  emergen- 
cy, we  beg  Leave  to  offer  in  thq  follow  ing 
addrefs. 

Your  promotion,  Sir.  by  the  merited  fuf- 
frages  of  a  free  people,  to  the  chief  feat  of 
government  is  a  circumftance  of  pre  emi- 
nence and  honor  to  which  defpotic  and  he- 
reditary princes,  can  never  attain.  Being 
thus  made  by  your  country,  the  centre  of 
their  national  dignity,  confidence  and  affec- 
tion, we  glory  in  your  great  and  acknowl- 
edged abilities  as  a  ftatefraan,  and  in  your 

unabated 


72  PATRIOTIC 

1 

unabated  zeal,  unfhaken  fortitude  and  per- 
ferverance  as  a  patriot  ;  all  which  qualities 
have  long  fince  been  rendered  confpicuous 
to  your  fellow  citizens,  and  to  the  world,  in 
your  political  and  eminent  fervices. 

We  contemn,  Sir,  as  we  know  you  do, 
the  fawning  parafite ;  the  flattering  fyco- 
phant,  as  a  reproach  to  merited  honor ;  a 
vermin,  that  mars  the  tree  moft  to  which  its 
attachments  are  apparently  the  greateft.  We 
ftiould  not  therefore  prelume  thus  freely  to 
exprefs  the  juft  fenfrbilities  of  our  hearts,-in 
language  that  would  bear  the  remoteft  re- 
femblance  to  that  praife,  fo  often  unjuftly 
lavilhed  upon  tyrant,  to  anfwer  ends  as 
bafe  as  their  encomiums  are  falfe,  were  it 
not  to  contradict  the  envenomed  pens  and 
tongues  of  reproach  and  (lander,  which  with 
uncontrolled  licence,  have  been  attempting 
to  tarnifh  the  character,  with  the  honor, 
probity,  and  firmnefs  of  which  are  intimate- 
ly conne&ed  the  political  glory,  faf-ety  and 
bappinefs  of  thefe  united,  fovereign  and  in- 
dependent States. 

Were  you  the  man,  Sir,  intriguing  for 
Britifh  influence,  and  to  yield  up  the  inde- 
pendent glory  of  United  America,  to  the 
nation  from  whofe  unconftitutional  exac- 
tions you  had  the  honor  of  being  eminently 
inftrurnental  in  procuring  our  deliverance  ; 
.or  were  you  fecretly  exerting  your  abilities 

to 


ADDRESSES.  73 

;to  prevent  a  compromife  with  France,  for 
an  amicable  fetdement  of  all  real,  or  imagi- 
nary injuries  of  which  they  complain,  as  has 
been  fo  often,  fo  confidently,  and  we  fear 
much  worfe  than  ignorantly  announced  to 
the  public,  and  which  many, too  many,  have 
been  betrayed  to  believe,  we  fhould  now 
with  unfufferable  regret,  have  to  lament  in 
our  firft  magiftrate,  an  inftance  of  apoftacy, 
unequalled  in  the  page  of  civil  hiftory.  You 
will  then,  Sir,  pardon  our  enthufiafm,  while 
in  your  letter  of  credence  to  the  French 
Directory,  and  the  liberal,  pacific  inftruc- 
tions  to  our  envoys,  we  fee  the  diforganiz- 
ing  defigns  of  the  fecret  enemies  of  our 
unrivalled  profperity,  as  in  a  moment  de- 
feated ;  and  in  fpite  of  malignity  itfelf,  the 
honor'of  our  Executive  and  government  at 
large  eftablifhed  by  evidence  that  enforces 
conviction. 

The  joyous  effefts  are  every  where  vifi- 
ble  !  At  the  return  of  harmony  in  Congrefs, 
the  heart  of  every  true  friend  to  America 
exults  ;  the  people,  who  in  great  numbers 
before,  alarmingly  feparated  in  affection  and 
confidence  from  their  own  government,  and 
rendered  jealous  of  the  firft  characters  of 
their  own  election,  convinced  of  the  fnares 
fpread  for  their  country  by  foreign  intrigue, 
are  now  crowding  to  its  ftandard,  and  con- 
fecrating  their  fortunes  and  lives  for  its  de^ 
fence.  So  fignal  a  providence  for  the 
G 


74  PATRIOTIC 

detection  of  fraud,  and  the  coalition  of  a 
people  divided  and  confequemly  finking 
i»nto  i ne.vilable.de (I rucl ion,  is  perhaps  a  nov- 
elty in  the  annals  of  nations. 

\Vhile.  folemnly  grateful  to  the  all-difcern- 
ing  eye  of  Divine  Benevolence,  which  has 
brought  to  light  thofe  hidden  things  of  dark- 
nefs,  by  -which  fo  many  of  us  have  been  fo 
unhappily  deceived,  we  congratulate  our 
country  at  large,  .that  numerous  private 
friendfhips  which  were  violated,  and  other- 
wife  good  neighbours  and  important  con- 
nexions, eftranged  from  one  another,  are 
now  return  ng  with  mutual  extacy,  to  the 
fraternal  embrace.  The  uninformed  and 
unreafonably  -impaffioned  only  {land  at  a 
forbidding  diflance. 

Difgufled  at  the  illiberal  arts  and  avarice 
of  thofe  with  whom  our  envoys  are  admit- 
ted  to  converle,  and  at  the  refufal  of  audi- 
ence by  the  French  Directory,  after  fo 
friendly  an  advance,  accompanied  too  with 
every  mark  of  refpeclful  attention  to  fo  great 
a  people,  a  revolt  from  our  over  heated  af- 
feftion  for  fuch  a  government,  cannot  fail 
of  being  the  confequence.  ^Sincere  and  ar- 
dent were  our  attachments  to  the  interefts  of 
the  French  nation,  while  they  flood  on  their 
own  defence,  and  preferved  a  fpirit  limited 
by  the  decilions  of  reafon  ;  but  when  uni- 
vcrfal  empire  feems  to  be  adopted  as  their 

object, 


ADDRESSES. 


75 


object,  and  the  darknefs  of  intrigue  as  a 
favorite  meafure  to  accomplifh  their  nefa- 
rious defigns  ;  when  the  price  of  friendfhip 
\vith  America  is  the  proflitution  of  her 
wealth,  her  honor,  her  independence — it 
muR  be  our  duty  to  reprobate  her  pride, 
and  fpurn  her  infulting  demands.  Nor  can 
the  genuine  Ions  of  America,  although 
friendiy  to  France,  and  with  their  illuftrious 
Executive,  defirous  of  forming  an  alliance 
upon  foundations  mutually  juft  and  bene- 
ficial, forbear  pledging  themfelves  for  the 
defence  of  their  invaluable  rights  againft  the 
unprovoked  invafion  with  which  we  are 
threatened. 

Acquiefcing,  Sir,  mofi  cordially  in  you-r 
public  adminiii  ration ;  wifhingyou  the  guid- 
ance of  heaven  in  every  duty  of  your  im- 
portant and  mod  difficult  ftauon  ;  and  that 
the  pen  of  (lander,  however  artfully  aimed, 
may  never  penetrate  to  difturb  your  inward 
peace  and  tranquillity,  or  difcourage  your 
exertions,  ftill  fo  needful  for  the  profperity 
of  your  country,  we  beg  leave  to  fubfcribe 
ourfelves  your  confirmed  friends,  &c. 

«•  «•«  «••  ./fo— <**?    '  ^l^lv._rTy..f, . .» .., 

To  the  I  N  H  A  B  i  T  A  NTS  of  the  Town  ofE  R  A  i  N  - 
TREE,m  the  State  ofM  ASS  ACH.U  SETTS. 
GENTLEMEN, 

THIS  kind  addrefs,  from  the  inhabi- 
tants of  a  divifion  of  the  ancient  and  vener- 
able 


76  PATRIOTIC 

able  town  of  Braintree,  which   has  always- 
been  my  home,  is  very  obliging  to  me. 

The  tongues  and  pens  of  (lander,  inftru* 
rnents  with  which  our  enemies  expect  to  fub- 
due  our  country,  I  flatter  myfelf  have  never 
made  impreflionscn  you,  my  ancient  townf- 
men,  to  whom  I  have  been  fo  familiarly 
known  from  my  infancy  A  fignal  interpo- 
iition  of  providence,  has  for  once  detected 
frauds  and  calumnies,  which,  from  the  inexe- 
cution  of  the  laws,  and  the  indifference  of  the 
people,  were  too  long  permitted  to  prevail. 

I  am  happy  to  fee  that  your  minds  are 
deeply  imprefTed  with  the  dvmger  of  the 
prefent  (ituation  of  our  country,  and  that 
your  refolutions,  to  aflert  and  defend  your 
rights,  are  as  judicious  and  determined,  as 
I  have  always  known  them  to  be  upon  for- 
mer occafions. 

I  wifh  you  every  profperity  and  felicity, 
which  you  can  wifely  wifh  for  yourfelves. 

JOHN  ADAMS, 


from  the  Town  o/QuiNcv,  in  the  State  of 
MASSACHUSETTS,  to  the  PRESIDENT  of 
the  UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

W  E  the  fubfcribers,  inhabitants  of  your 
native  town,  being  many  of  us  the  contempo- 

raries 


ADDRESSES.  77 

varies  of  your  youth,  cannot  help  looking 
back  with  p'eafure  and  gratitude  on  your 
early  exertions  i  •  favor  of  our  liberty  and 
independence.  When  the  unreafonable  de- 
mands of  that  country  from  whence  we  de- 
rived our  origin,  made  it  necefiarv  for  us 
by  fair  reafou  and  argument  to  defend  our 
rights  as  freemen,  your  ear'y  publications, 
almoft  from  the  time  of  your  leaving  the 
univerfityi  caufed  the  enemies  of  our  inde- 
pendency, at- that  time,  to  wafch  you  with  a 
malignant  yet  fearful  eye  ;  and  prefaged  to 
them  the  greatnefs  of  your  future,  abilities. 
We  are  happy  in  having  lived  to  fee  the 
exertion  of  them  fucceeded  in  negociafibhs 
of  the  moft  important  and  difficult  nature, 
•with  refpeft  to  gaining  our  national  inde- 
pendence ;  and  in  promoting  that  excellent 
form  of  government,  under  which  we  have 
voluntarily  agreed  to  live. 

But  now,  Sir,  we  are  railed  to  meet  a  dif- 
ferent {fate  of  things.  A  nation,  with  whom 
we  had  been  taught  to  expeB  the  moft  friend- 
ly intercourfe,  is  making  violent  depreda- 
tions on  our  property,  and  refufes  to  hear 
our  complaints.  Stung  with  fuch  conduct 
from  a  nation  we  had  been  wont  to  love, 
and 'difgnfted  at  their  haughty  treatment  of 
our  amba  (Factors  and  our  country,  we  feel 
the  neceffity  of  union  among  ourfelves,  and 
that 'our  unanimity  fhouM  be  Known  :  We 
therefore  beg  leave;  Sir;  in  this  public  man- 
G  2  ncr, 


78  PATRIOTIC 

ner,  to  afTure  you,  that  we  entirely  approve 
of  the  prudent,  juft  and  pacific  meaiures 
that  have  been  employed  by  the  fupreme 
Executive,  in  behalf  of  the  United  States, 
for  accommodating  all  differences  between 
them  and  France;  and  that  if  nothing  fliort 
of  giving  up  our  liberty,  fovereignty  and  in- 
dependence will  fatisfy  their  luft  of  power, 
we  will  freely  facrifice  our  fortunes  and  our 
lives  in  defence  of  our  freedom. 

To  ^INHABITANTS  of  the  Town  0/"QuiN- 

CY,  in  the  State  of  MASSACHUSETTS. 
GENTLEMEN, 

NEXT  to  the  approbation  of  a  good 
confidence,  there  is  nothing  perhaps  which 
gives  us  more  pleafure  than  the  praife  of 
thofe  we  love  moft,  and  who  know  us  the 
moil  intimately. 

I  could  not  receive  your  addrefs — in 
which  I  read  with  pleafure  inexpreffible,  the 
names  of  clergy  and  laity,  officers, and  fol- 
dier's,  magiftrates  and  citizens  of  every  de- 
nomination ;  among  whom  were  the  mod 
aged,  whofe  countenances  I  had  refpecled  ; 
my  fchooUfellows  and  the  companions  of 
my  childhood,  whom  I  had  loved  from  the 
cradle  ; — without  the  livelieft  emotions  of 
gratitude  and  affection. 

With  you,  my  kind  neighbours,  I  have 
ever  lived  in  habits  of  freedom,  friendfhip 

and 


ADDRESSES,  79 

and  familiarity  ;  we  have  always  agreed 
very  well  in  principles  and  opinions  ;  and 
well  knowing  your  love  of  your  country 
and  ardor  in  its  defence,  your  explicit  de- 
claration upon  this  occafion,  though  unex- 
pected, is  no  furprize  to  me.  Accept  of  the 
bed  wifhes  of  a  fincere  and  faithful  friend, 
for  a  continuance  of  harmony  among  you* 
and  for  the  profperit-y  of  all  your  intereiU, 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  the  PRESIDENT,  and  to  the  CONGRESS  of 
the  UNITED  STATES. 


the  fubfcribers.  inhabitants  of  Brook- 
line,  partaking  of  that  anxious  concern  for 
the  public  welfare,  which  at  this  crifis  is  felt 
by  all  good  citizens,  beg  leave  to  exprefs 
our  higheft  approbation  of  thofe  honeft  and 
unwearied  endeavours,  which,  under  every 
difcouragement,  have  been  ufed  by  the  Ex- 
ecutive, to  preferve  our  national  peace. 
But  while  we  witnefs  with  pleafure,  that  ev- 
ery thing  juft  and  honorable,  which  a  fincere 
defire  of  conciliation  could  fuggeft,is  offer- 
ed by  the  United  Stares,  we  fee  with  extreme 
indignation,  that  France  will  harken  to  noth- 
ing but  enormous  contributions  of  money  ; 
and  thefe  contributions  we  are  exprefsly 
told,  are  no*  the  price  of  peace,  but  merely 

of 


8o  PATRIOTIC 

of  ncgociation.  A  compliance  with  thefe 
terms  fo  arbitrary  and  unjuil  in  them'e^ves, 
and  fo  degrading  to  an  independent  people, 
we  conceive  would  Toon  be  followed  by 
frefh  infults  and  exactions,  until  by  degrees 
we  fhould  be  reduced  to  a  dale  of  uncoodi- 
tional  fubjeciiom  That  (iurh  is  the  defign 
as  well  as  tendency  of  thefe  demands,  can- 
not be  doubted,  finee  ihey  are  .enforced  by 
threats  of  our  national  deftrudion;  and  the 
fate  of  Venice,  plundered,  divided  and  ibid, 
after  it  was  declared  free,  is  held  up  to 
terrify  us  into  futmiffiou — the  dep-orab:e 
fituation  of  fome,  and  danger  of  the  other 
European  republics  is  alfo  drawn  in  jult  but 
fable  colours  with  the  fame  defign — repub- 
lies  whofe  governments  aie.fub verted,  whole 
treafuues  are  drained,  and  their  credit  ex* 
haufted,  whofe  cities  are  overawed  and  their 
fields  ravaged  by  a  ferocious  foMiery,  and 
whofe  people  uniformly  plundered,  impov- 
erifhed  and  opp  e(Tcd,are  not  allowed  even 
the  melancholy  privilege  of  complaining* 
Such  is  the  wretched  fate  with  which  we  are 
threatened  with,  tmlefs  we  comply  with  the 
demands  of  the  Directory — demands  which 
though  arbitrary  and  unreafonabSe  in  the 
higheft  degree*  are  yet  but  the  preliminaries 
of  negotiation^ and  not  the  condi.ions  of 
peace. 

Inftrucled,  but  not  terrified,  by  thefe  aw- 
ful  fcienes  of  the  Revolutionary  drama,  we 

truft 


ADDRESSES.  8i 

truft  that  the  American  people,  having  all 
one  intereft  in  the  fafety  of  their  common 
country,  will  with  us  have  but  one  fentiment 
concerning  its  defence.  We  are  fenfible 
that  domeflic  divifions  have  facilitated  the- 
ruin  of  the  republics  of  Europe,  and  their 
deftroyers  plainly  tell  us,  that  the  fame  divi- 
fions  exift  here,and  will  enable  them  to  effe£l 
a  fimilar  ruin  in  the  United  States  : — But  fo 
far  as  depends  upon  us,  we  will  difappoint 
this  expectation,  by  proving  to  France  and 
to  the  world,  that  we  are  infeparably  united, 
and  are  determined  to  p refer ve  our  liberty 
and  laws  facred  and  inviolate}  againft  every 
enemy. 

As  fincere  lovers  of  our  country  there* 
fore,  and  faithful  fupporters  of  thofe  authori- 
ties which  are  entrulted  with  its  welfare,  we 
declare  that  we  fully  confide  in  their  talents,, 
experience  and  patriotifm,  to  provide  for 
every  exigency,  and-  that  we  will  at  every 
hazard  fupport  the  meafu res  which  they  fh4i* 
ordain, 

«* «..  «••  »^>«"<ismu5><"^j>* «~  «••««• 

To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT^SEN— 
ATE,  and  HOUSE  O/REPRESENTATIVE* 
of  the  UNITED  STATES 


a  period  which  fo-ferioufly  arrefts  the 
attention  of  every  American,  and  true  friend 
ta-hu  country,  as  the  prefentj  the  inhabitants 

of 


82  PATRIOTIC 

of  Lynn,  in  the  State  of  MafTachufetts,  feel- 
ing it  be  their  duty,  and  imprefred  with  the 
juft,  wife  and  prudent  adminiftration  of  the 
Executive,  and  the  rulers  in  general  of  the 
American  republic,  ardently  embrace  an 
opportunity  to  announce  their  determined 
reiolution  to  fupport  their  conftitution  and 
government,  with  all  they  hold  moft  (acred 
and  dear.  Convinced  as  we  are,  that  the 
Prefident  has,  by  fair,  unequivocal  and  full 
•inftruclions,  which  he  has  given  to  our  en- 
voys, to  adjuft  and  amicably  accommodate 
all  exiting  difficulties  between  the  United 
States  and.  the  French  republic,  done  all, 
confident  with  the  honor,  dignity  and  free- 
dom of  his  country,  to  prefer ve  peace  and 
good  understanding  with  that  nation.  Not- 
withftanding  our  envoys  are  conamiffioned 
\vith  full  power  to  fettle  all  animofiues  with 
the  French  agents*  upomhe  broadeft  bafis 
of  equity,  they  are  treated  with  neglecl- — re- 
fufed  an.  audience,  left  their  reafonings 
ihould  (how  to  the  world  the  integrity  of 
our  government*  and  difclofe  their  iniquity. 

Legiflators,  Guardians  I  The  moft  nefa- 
rious defigns  have  been  plotted  to  fubvert 
our  government,  fubjugate  the  country  and 
lay  us  under  contribution  ;  but  thanks  be 
to  the  Sovereign  of  the  univerfe,  that  we  do 
not  experience  the  fate  of  Venice,  nor  groan 
under  the  opprefTion  of  fubdued  nations. 
We  are  a  free  people}  have  a  fenfe  of  the 

ble  flings 


A  D  D  R  E  $  S  E  S.  83 

Weffings  which  \v*c  enjoy  under  that  Hberty 
and  independence,  which  we  have  wrelied 
from  the  hand  of  one  king,  and  will  not  fu- 
pinely  fubmit  to  any  nation. 

We-wilh  not  again  to  behold  our  fieMs 
crimfoned  with  human  blood,  and  fervently 
pray  God  to  avert  the  calamities  of  war  : 
Neverthelefs,  (hould  our  magiihates,  in 
-whom  we  place  entire  confidence,  find  it  ex- 
pedient to  take  energetic  meafures  to  defend 
our  liberties,  we  will  readily  co  operate  with 
them  in  every  fuch  meafure  :  —  Nor  do  we 
hefitate  at  this  intert-fting  cnfis.  to  echo  the 
declaration  of.  our  ill  uftrjous  chief,  that  "  we 
are  not  humiliated  under  a  colonial  fenfe  of 
fear  ;  we  are  not  a  divided  people."  Our 
arms  are  ftrbngjn  defence  qf  our  rights,  and 
•we  are  determined  to  repel  our  foe. 


To  //^INHABITANTS  of  L  Y  N  N  ,  in  the  State 
^/MASSACHUSETTS. 

GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  addrefs  to  the  Prefident,  Sen- 
ate, aad  Houfe  of  Reprefentath  es,  adopted 
at  a  legal  town  meeting,  has  been  prefented 
to  me  by  your  reprefentative  in  Congrefs, 
Mr.  Sewa'Il. 

When  the  inhabitants  of  one  of  our  towns 
aflembied  in  legal  form,  folemnly  declare 
tbernf'elves  irrlpreifed  with  the  wife,  juft  and 

prudent 


«4  PATRIOTIC 

prudent  adminiftration  of  their  rulers  in  gen- 
eral ;  and  that  they  will  fupport  their  confti- 
tution  and  government,  with  all  they  hold 
tnoft  facred  and  dear,  no  man  who  knows 
them,  will  queftion  their  fincerity. 

The  conviction  you  avow  that  the  Prefi- 
dent  has  done  all,  confident  with  the  honor, 
dignity  and  freedom  of  his  country,  to  pre- 
ferve  peace  and  good  underftanding  with 
the'  French,  is  a  gratification  to  me  which  I 
receive  with  efteem, 

As  the  treatment  of  our  envoys  is  without 
a  poffibility  of  juftification,  excufe  or  apol- 
ogy, I  leave  it  to  your  juft  refentment, 
Your  acknowledgment  of  the  bleffings  you 
enjoy,  under  your  liberty,  and  independ- 
ence, and  determination  never  fupinely  to 
furrender  them,  prove  you  to  deferve  them. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNI  TED  STATES. 
SIR, 

W  E  the  Congregational  Minifters  of  your 
native  State,  met  in  annual  convention,  feel 
ourfeives  called  upon  as  men,  as  American 
citizens,  and  as  public  profeffors  and  teach- 
ers of  Chriftianity,  to  addrefs  you  at  this  fol- 
emn  and  eventful  crifis. 

While  the  benevolent  fpirit  of  our  religion 
and  office  prompts  our  fervent  wifhes  and 

prayers 


ADDRESSES.  85 

•prayers  for  the  univerfal  exteniion  of  ration- 
al liberty,  focial  jorder,  and  chriftian  pietft 
\\re  cannot  but  deeply  lament,  and  firmly  re- 
fill thole  atheiftical,  licentious  and  diforgan- 
izing  principles,  which  have  been  avowed 
and  zealoufly  propagated  by  the  philofo- 
phers  and  politicians  of  France ;  which  have 
produced  the  greateft  crimes  and  miferies  in 
that  unhappy  country,  and  like  a  mortal  pef- 
tilence,  are  diffufing  their  baneful  influence 
even  to  diftant  nations.     From  thefe  prin- 
ciples, combined  with  boundlefs  avarice  and 
ambition,  have  originated  not  only  fchemes 
of  univerfal  plunder  and  domination,  but 
infidious  attempts  to  divide  the  American 
people  from  their  rulers,  and  involve  them 
in  a  needlefs,  unjuft  and  ruinous  war  ;  arbi- 
trary and  cruel  depredations  on  their  unof- 
fending commerce;  contemptuous  treatment 
of  their  repeated  meffengers  and  generous 
overtures  of  peace  ;  rapacious  demands  and 
infulting  threats  in  anfwer  to   the  mod  fair 
a-nd  condefcending  propofals. 

Jn  this  connexion,  we  offer  to  you,  fir, 
•our  tribute  of  affectionate  eftecm  and  grati- 
tude, and   to   Almighty  r'God,  our   devout* 
praife,  for the  wife,  temperate  and  benevo- 
"lent  policy,  which  has  marked  your  conduft 
towards  the  offending  power,  and  which  has 
given  a  new  and  fplendid  example  of  the 
<beauty  and  dignity  of  the  Chriftian   fpirit, 
cofltrafted  with  the  bale  and  profligate  fpirit 
11  oT 


§6  PATRIOTIC 

of  infidelity.  We  alfo  blefs  God  for  your 
firm,  patriotic  and  important  fervices  to  our 
country,  from  the  dawn  of  its  glorious  rev- 
olution, and  for  the  confpicuous  integrity 
and  wiidom  which  have  been  conflantly  dif- 
played  both  by  you.  Sir,  and  your  excellent 
,and  beloved  predeceflbr. 

As  minifters  of  the  Prince  of  Peace,  we 
feel  it  to  be  our  duty  both  to  inculcate  and 
-exemplify  the  pacific  fpirit  which  adorns  his 
character  and  do&rine.  We  remember  his 
command  to  forgive  and  love  our  mod  in- 
jurious enemies.  But  neither  the  law  of 
Chriftianity  nor  of  rcafon  requires  us  to 
proftrate  our  -national  independence,  free- 
dom rp  rope  rty  and  honor  at  the  feet  of  proud 
infatiable  opprefibr-s  ;  efpccially  of  a  gov- 
ernment, which  has  renounced  the  goipel 
and. its  facred  inflitutions,  and  has  transfer- 
red to  imaginary  or  heathen  idols,  the  ho- 
mage due  to  the  Creator  and  Redeemer  of 
•the  world.  Such  a  pro  it  ration  would  be 
treafon  againft  that  Being  who  gave  us  our 
-ineftimable  privileges  civil  and  religious,  as 
a  facred  depofit  to  be  defended  and  tranf- 
mitted  to  pofterity.  It. would  be  criminal 
unfaithfulnefs  and  treachery  to  our  country, 
our  children,  and  the  whole  human  race. 

The  fate  of  Venice,  and  other  countries 
•iubdued  by  France,  though  held  up  to  in- 
rtimidate.  us  to  degrading  fubmiffipn,  fhall 

teach 


ADDRESSES.  8; 

teach  us  a  far  different  lefTon  ;  it  ihall  in- 
ftrucl:  us  to  ihun  that  infidious  embrace, 
which  aims  not  only  to  reduce  us  to  the  con- 
dition of  tributaries,  but  to  ftrip  us  of  the 
gofpel,  the  Chriftian  Sabbath  and  every  pi- 
ous inftitution.  Thefe  privileges  we  con- 
fider  as  the  chief  glory  of  our  country ;  the 
main  pillars  of  its  civil  order,  liberty  and 
happinefs  ;  as  on  the  other  hand  we  view 
its  excellent  political  inftitutions,  as,  under 
God,  the  guardians  of  our  religious  and  ec- 
clefiaftical  privileges.  This  intimate  con- 
nexion between  our  civil  ariH  Chriftian  bleflT- 
ings,is  alone  fufficient  to  juftify  the  decided 
part  which  the  clergy  of  America  have  uni- 
formly taken  irt  fupporting  the  conftituted 
authorities  and  political  interefts  of  their 
country.  While  we  forgive  the  cenfure 
which  our  order  has  received  from  fome 
perfons  on  this  account,  we  will  ftill,by  our 
prayers  and  examples,  by  our  public  and 
private  difcourfes,  continue  the  fame  tenor 
of  conduct  which  has  incurred  this  malevo- 
lent or  mifguided  abufe, 

Amidft  the  fafhionable  fcepticifm  and  im-~ 
piety  of  the  age,  it  is  matter  of  confolation 
and  gratitude  that  we  have  a  Prefident,  who, 
both  in  word  and  action,  avows  his  rever- 
ence of  the  Chriftian  religion,  his  belief  in  a 
Redeemer  and  San&ifier  of  the  world,  and 
bis  devout  truft  in  the  providence  of  God. 

May 


88  PATRIOT  I  G 

May  that  Being  \vhofe  important  favor 
you  recently  led  us  to  implore,  gracioufly 
anfwer  our  united  prayers  in  behalf  of  our 
common  country.  May  he  preferve  your 
valuable  life  and  health,  your  vigor,  firmnefs 
and  integrity  of  mind,  and  your  confequent 
public  ufefulnefs  ;  and  at  length  transfer 
you,  full  of  days  and  honor,  to  the  poflei- 
of  an  eminent  and  everlafling  reward, 


To  the  CONVENTION  O/CONGREGATIOM- 
AL  MiNisrtos  in  tht  Stoic  of  MASSA- 
CHUSETTS. 

•GENTLEMEN, 

THIS  refpeftful  and  afTeaionate  ad- 
drefs,  from  the  convention  of  the  clergy  of 
MafTachufetts,  not  lefs  diftinguifhed  for  fci- 
ence  and  learning,  candor,  moderation,  lib- 
erality of  fentiment  arrd  conduct,  and  for, 
the  molt  amiable  urbanity  of  manners,  than 
for  unblemifhed  morals  and  Chriftian  piety, 
does  me  great  honor,  and  muft  have  the  mod 
beneficial  effects  upon  the  public  mind,  at 
this  folemn  and  eventful  crifis. 

To  do  juftice  to  its  fentiments  and  lan- 
guage, I  could  only  repeat  it  fentence  by 
fentence,and  word  for  word;  I  fhall  there- 
lore  confine  myfelf  to  a  mere  return  of  my 
unfeigned  thank's, 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

from 


ADDRESSES.  89 

From  the  GRAND  LODGE  of  FREE  and  AC- 
CEPTED MASONS  of  the  Commonwealth  of 
MASSACHUSETTS,  to  the  PRESIDENT  of 
the  UNITED  STATES. 

SIR, 

FLATTERY,  and  a  difcuffion  of  political 
opinions,  are  inconfiftent  with  the  principles 
of  this  ancient  fraternity ;  but  while  we  are 
bound  to  cultivate  benevolence,  and  extend 
the  arm  of  charity  to  our  brethren  of  every 
clime,  we  feel  the  ftrongeft  obligations  to 
fupportthe  civil  authority  which  protect  us. 
And  when  the  illiberal  attacks  of  a  foreign 
enthufiaft,  aided  by  the  unfounded  preju- 
dices of  his  followers,  are  tending  to  ern- 
barrafs  the  public  mind  with  refpect  to  the 
real  views  of  our  fociety,  we  think  it  our 
duty  to  join  in  full  concert  with  our  fellow- 
citizens,  in  expreffibns  of  gratitude  to  the 
Supreme  Architect  of  the  Univerfe,  for  en- 
dowing you  with  that  wifdom,  patriotic  firm- 
nefs  and  integrity,  which  has  characterized 
your  public  conduct. 

While  the  independence  of  our  country, 
and  the  operation  of  juft  and  equal  laws, 
have  contributed  to  enlarge  the  fphere  of  fo- 
cial  happinefs,  we  rejoice  that  our  Mafonic 
brethren,  throughout  the  United  States, 
have  difcovered  by  their  conduct,  a  zeal  to 
promote  the  public  welfare,  and  that  many 
of  them  have  been  confpicuous  for  their 
H  2  talents 


£0  PATRIOTIC 

talents  and  unwearied  exertions.  Among 
thefe,  your  venerable  predecelfor  is  the  mod 
illuftrious  example ;  and  the  memory  of  our 
beloved  Warren,  who  from  the  chair  of  this 
Grand  Lodge,  has  often  urged  the  members^ 
to  the  exercife  of  patriot! fm  and  philanthro- 
py, and  who  fealed  his  principles  with  his 
blood,  fliall  ever  animate  us  to  a  laudable 
imitation  of  his  virtues. 

Sincerely  we  deprecate  the  calamities  of 
•war,  and  have  fervently  wifhed  fuccefs  to 
every  endeavor  for  the  prefervation  of 
peace  :  But,  Sir,  if  we  difregard  the  bleff- 
ings  of  liberty,  we  are  unworthy  to  enjoy 
them.  In  vain  have  our  ftatefman  laboured, 
in  their  public  aflemblies,  and  by  their  mid- 
night taper;  in  vain  have  our  mountains  and 
vallies  been  (lained  with  the  blood  of  our 
heroes,  if  we  want  firmraeis  to  repel  the  af- 
faults  of  every  prefumptuous  invader.  And 
while  as  citizens  of  a  free  republic,  we  en- 
gage our  utmoft  exertions  in  the  caufe  of 
our  country,  and  offer  our  fervices  to  pro- 
te6l  the  fair  inheritance  of  our  anceftors  ; 
as  Mafons  \ve  will  cultivate  the  precepts  of 
our  inftitution,  and  alleviate  the  miferies  of 
all  who  by  the  fortune  of  war,  or  the  ordi- 
nary occurrences  of  life,  are  the  proper  ob- 
je6U  of  our  attention. 

Long  may  you  continue  a  patron  of  the 
iifeful  arts,  and  an  ornament  of  the  prefent 

generation. 


ADDRESSES.  gt 

generation.  May  you  finifh  your  public 
labors  with  an  approving  confcience,  and  be 
gathered  to  the  fepulchre  of  your  co-patri- 
ots with  the  benediction  of  your  country- 
men ;  and  finally,  may  you  be  admitted  to 
that  celeftial  tjWpple,  where  all  national  dif- 
tin&ions  are  l<m'in  undiflembied  friendfhip 
and  univerfal  piece. 


To  the  GRAND  LODGE  of  FREE   and  AC- 
CEPTED MASONS  of  MASSACHUSETTS* 
GENTLEMEN, 

AS  I  never  had  the  honor  to  be  one  of 
your  ancient  fraternity,  I  feel  myfelf  under 
the  greater  obligations  to  you  for  this  re- 
fpe&ful  and  afFe&ionate  addrefs.  Many  of 
my  be  ft  friends  have  been  Mafons,  and  two 
of  .them,  my  profeffional  patron,  the  learned 
Gridley,  and  my  intimate  friend,  your  im- 
mortal Warn*n,  whofe  life  and  death,  were 
leffons  and  examples  of  patriotifm  and  phi- 
lanthropy,,  were  Grand  Matters  ;  yet  fo  it 
has  happened,  that,  I  never  had  the  felicity 
to  be  initiated.  Such  examples  as  thefe,  and 
a  greater  ftill  in  my  venerable  predeceffor, 
would  have  been  fufficient  to  induce  me  to 
hold  the  inftitution  and  fraternity,  in  efteem 
and  honor,  as  favorable  to  the  fupport  of 
civil  authority,  if  I  had  not  known  their 
love  of  the  fine  arts,  their  delight  in  hofpU 
tality,  and  devotion  to  humanity. 

Your 


92  PATRIOTIC 

Your  indulgent  opinion  of  my  condu&, 
and  your  benevolent  wifhes,  for  the  fortu- 
nate termination  of  my  public  labors,  have 
my  fincere  thanks. 

The  public  engagement  of  your  utmoft 
exertions  in  the  caufe  of  yqpr  country,  and 
the  offer  of  your  fervices  to  prote6t  the  fair 
inheritance  of  your  anceftors,  are  proofs  that 
you  are. not  chargeable  with  thole  defigns, 
the  imputation  of  which,  in  other  parts  of 
the  world,  has  embaraffed  the  public  mind, 
with  refpecl:  to  the  real-views  of  your  fociety. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


MARINE  SOCIETY,  to  the 
PRESIDENT  of  Md  UNI  TED  STATES. 

SIR, 

a  time,  when  the  exiftence  of  our  in- 
dependence is  ftruck  at  ;  the  Sovereign 
rights  of  our  country  violated,  by  the  refu- 
fal  to  receive  our  ambafTadors,  fpecially 
commiffioned  as  the  minifters  of  explanation 
and  concord  ;  and  this  haughty  and  hoftile 
afpecl, accompanied  with  the  mod  indifcrim- 
inate  fpoliations  on  our  commerce,  ground- 
ed on  the  falfe,  contemptuous  opinion,  that 
we  are  a  mercenary,  defencelefs  and  divided 
people  ;  it  furely  becomes  the  duty  of  every 
citizen,  and  incorporated  bodies  in  particu- 
lar, 


ADDRESSES.  g$ 

lar,  public kly  to  exprcfs  fentiments,  which 
may  convince  the  world,  as  well  as  the 
French  nation,  that  they  indignantly  feel, 
dare  refent,  and  hope  to  avenge  the  injured 
and  inftrlted  character  of  our  common 
country. 

Although  it  is  not  for  nations  to  com- 
mand, they  certainly  may.  defer ve  fuccefs. 
The  arms  of  our  country  have  too  recently 
with  effect  refitted  the  claims  of  the  firft  ma- 
ratime  power  the  earth  ever  knew,  for  her 
fons  to  now  meanly  crouch  to  the  infatiable 
cupidity  and  diftant  domination  of  an  info- 
lent  and  inferior  foe.. 

When  friendship  becomes  inftrlt,  or  is 
permitted  only  on  exclufive  terms,  dictated 
and  impofed  by  a  corrupted,  and  corrupting 
government,  it  is  time  to  make  off  fuch  a 
debating  yoke.  Better  at  once  to  com- 
mence generous  enemies,  than  maintain  a 
deceptive  and  precarious  connexion  \vith 
fuch  infidious'  friends*. 

Had  the  French  people  confined  their  ef- 
forts to  the  annihilation  of  their  monarchy 
and  all  its  collateral  props,  and  to  the  erec- 
tion of  any  other  fyftem  of  rule,  the  bufinefs 
and  its  local  confequences  ought  to  have 
been  left  to  themfelves  :  But  when  we  find 
this  nation,  after  having  completely  attained 
the  profeffed  ebjeft  of  their  warfare,  with 
-favage  hoftility,  in  many  instances,  and  in 

Others^ 


94  PATRIOTIC 

others,  artfully  aiming  at  the  utter  fubvcr- 
(ion  of  the  political,  religious  and  locial  in- 
ftitutions  of  all  other  governments,  which 
time,  experience,  and  even  freedom,  have 
fanftioned,  they  become  the  enemies  of  all 
mankind,  and  ought  to  be  oppofed  by  every 
country  that  has  any  pretenfions  to  princi- 
ple, fpirit,  or  patriotiim. 

Thefe,  Sir,  are  our  fentitrrents,  and  we 
truft  they  actuate,  and  glow,  in  the  breafh, 
and  if  neceffary,  will  nerve  the  arm,  of  the 
great  mafs  of  the  free  and  enlightened  citi- 
zens that  compofe  the-  American  nation  ; 
and  who  muft  rejoice  that-  their  beloved 
Wafhington  has  been-  fuceeeded  by  a  man 
who  treads  with  equal  flep  the  honeft,  plain 
and  ft  rait  road,  fo  ftriclly  followed  by  that 
wife  and  able  ftatefman. 

Extenfive  as  the  commerce  of  the  United 
States  has  become  under  a  popular  govern- 
ment", wifely  adminiftered,  and  diltant  as  our 
fhores  lie  from  the  European  continent, 
wooden  walls,  are  confeffedly,  our  bed  de- 
fence. You,  Sir,  appear  early,  and  juftly 
to  have  appreciated  this  fyftem  of  protec- 
tion, Many  of  this  fociety  have  been.engag- 
ed  in  maritime  warfare;  and  when  their  coun- 
try again  calls,  they  truft,  that  under  your 
pilotage,  they  fhall  not  be  found  wanting. 

A  life  like  yours,  fo  long  fuccefsfully  em- 
ployed in  public  energy,  and  patriotic  effe£t, 

has 


ADDRESSES.  95 

has  now  become  an  important  obje£l  of  pref- 
ervation.  May  Heaven  preferve  it  with 
invigorated  health  ;  and  -a  kind  Pro-vidence 
enable  you,  to  augment  your  well  founded 
claims  to  national  gratitude,  by  a  faithful, 
firm  difcharge  of  the  numerous  duties,  and 
momentous  fervices,  committed  to  you  by 
the  conftitution  and  councils  of  our  coun- 
try, and  in  which  Europe,  and  the  world. 
tjnay  eventually  be  fo  much  interefte.d. 


To  the  B  o  s  T  o  N  MARINE  SOCIETY. 
'GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  this  refpeaful  ad- 
.drefs.  —  The  exigence  of  the  independence 
of  any  nation  cannot  be  more  grofsly  attack- 
ed, the  fovereign  rights  of  a  country  cannot 
be  more.offenflvely  violated,  than  by  a  re- 
fufal  to  receive  ambaffadors  fent  as  miniilers 
,of  explanation  and  concord;  —  efpecially  if 
fuch  refufal  is  accompanied  with  public  and 
notorious  circumftances  of  deliberate  indig- 
nity, infult  and  contempt.  Indifcriminate 
defpoliations  on.  our  commerce,  grounded 
on  the  contemptuous  opinion,  that  we  are  a 
divided,  defencelefs.and  mercenary  people, 
arc  not  fo  egregious  and  agravated  a  .prov- 
ocation offered  to  the  face  of  a  whole  nation 
.as  the  former.  I  rejoice  that  you  indig- 
nantly feel  ;  that  you  dare  refent  ;  and  that 

you 


96  PATRIOTIC 

you  hope  to  vindicate,  the  injured  and  in- 
iulted  character  of  our  common  country* 
When  frkndfhip  becomes  infult,  or  is  per- 
mitted only  on  terms,  di&ated  and  impofed, 
it  becomes  an  intolerable  yoke,  and  it  is  time 
-to  fhake  it  off. — Better  at  once  to  become 
:generous  enemies,  than  maintain  a  delufive 
and  precarious  connexion  with  fuch  infidi- 
•  ous  friends.  Whatever  pretexts  the  French 
people,  or  a  French  prince  of  the  blood  with 
his  train,ora  combination  of  families  of  the 
firft  quality,  with  officers  of  the  army,  had 
for  their  efforts,  for  the -annihilation  of  the 
-monarchy  :  we  certainly, Tar  from  being  un- 
der any  obligation,  had  no  right  or  excufe 
to  interfere  for  their  afliftance.  If,  by  the 
collateral -props  of  the  monarchy,  you  mean 
the  nobility  and  lire  clergy,  which  has  fol- 
lowed the  annihilation  of  them  :  All  their 
revenues  have  beeafeized  and  appropriated 
by  another  prop  of  the  old  monarchy,  the 
army  ; — and  the  nation  is  become  (as  all 
other  nations  of  Europe  are  becoming,  if 
French  principles  and  fyftems  prevail)  a 
congregation  of  foldiers  and  ferfs.  Tbe 
French  Revolution  has  ever  been  incom- 
prehenfible  to  me  ;  thic  fubftance  of  all  that 
I  can  underftand  of  it,  is,  that  one  of  the 
pillars  of  the  ancient  monarchy,  that  is  the 
army,  has  fallen  upon  the  other  two,  the  no- 
bility and  the  clergy,  broken  them  both 
down;  the  building  lias  fallen  of  courfe  ; 

and 


ADDRESSES.  97 

and  this  pillar  is  now  the  whole  edifice. 
The  military  ferpent  has  fwallowed  that  of 
Aaron  and  all  the  reft. 

If  the  example  fiiould  be  followed  through 
Europe,  when  the  officers  of  the  armies  be- 
:gin  to  quarrel  with  one  another — five  hund- 
red years  more  of  Barons'  wars  may  fucceed. 
Tf  the  French,  therefore,  will  become  the 
enemies  of  all  mankind,  by  forcing  all  na- 
tions to  follow  their  example,  in  the  fubver- 
fion  of  all  the  political,  religious  and  focial 
inftitutions,which  time,experience3and  free- 
dom have  fan&ioned,  they  ought  to  be  op- 
pofed  by  every  country  that  has  any  p re- 
tentions to  principle,  fpirit,  or  patriotifm. 

Floating  batteries  and  wooden  walls  have 
been  my  favorite  fyftem  of  warfare  and  de- 
fence for  this  country,  for  three  and  twenty 
years.  I  have  had  very  little  fuccefs  in  mak- 
ing profelytes.  At  trje  preient  moment,  how- 
ever, Americans  in  general,  cultivators  as 
"well  as  merchants  and  mariners,  begin  to 
look  to  that  fource  of  fecurity  and  protec- 
tion ;  and  your  affiftan'ce  will  have  great 
influence  and  effect,  in  extending  the  opin- 
ion In  theory,  and  in  introducing  and  eltab- 
lifhing  the  practice. 

Your  kind  wifhes  for  my  life  and  health, 

demand  my  moft  refpeftful  and  affectionate 

gratitude  ;   and    the   return  of  my   fincere 

prayers  for  the  health  and  hapninefs  of  the 

I  Marine 


S8  PATRIOTIC 

Marine  Society  at  Bofton,  as  well  as  for  thp 
•iccurity  and  profperity  of  the  military  and 
commercial  marine  of  the  United  States,  in 
which  yours  is  included. 

JOHN  ADAMS, 

«..<..  4.  ../7>-*<     '  ' 


From  the  ST  u  D  E  N  T  s  o/  Wi  LLIAMS'  COL- 
L  E  c  E,  to  His  Excellency  JOHN  ADAM  S(5 
PRESIDENT  of  the  U  N  i  T  ED  STATE  s. 

SIR, 

Jl  HO.UGH  members  of  an  infant  inftitu- 
,tion,  and  of  little  comparative  weight  in  the 
political  fcale  ,of  the  union,  we  feel  for  the 
intereft  of  our  country. 

It  becomes  every  youth  in  whofe  breaft 
.dwells  the  leaft  principle  of  honor,  to  come 
forward  calmly  and  boldly  to  defend  his 
country. 

When  we  behold  France,  a  great  and  pow- 
.erfui  nation,  exerting  all  her  energy  to  un- 
dermine the  vail  fabrics  of  religion  and  gov- 
ernment ;  when  we  behold  her  inculcating 
the  difbelief  of  a  Deity,  of  future  rewards 
and  punifhments  ;  when  we  .behold  her  di-f- 
carding  every  moral  principle,  and  diffolv- 
ing  every  tie  which  connects  men  together 
in  fociety,  which  fweetens  life  and  renders 
it  worth  enjoying  ;  when  we  behold  her 
Brutalizing  man,  that  flie  may  govern  him  ; 

a* 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  3.  93 

as  friends  to  humanity,  as  fharers  in  the  hap- 
pinefs  of  our  fellow  men,  as  citizens  of  the 
world,  our  feelings  arc  deeply  affccled. 

Wecommiferatethe  fuflferings  of  our  Eu- 
ropean brethren  ;  we  weep  over  the' awful 
calamities  of  anarchy  and  alheifrri. 

But  when  we  behold  this  afpirin-g  nation, 
not  contented  with  her  yaft  European  do- 
minions,  but  endeavouring  to  itretch  her 
coloffean  empire  acrofs  the  Atlantic,  every 
paflion  is  roufed  ;  and  our  fouls  are  fired 
with  indignation.  We  fee  that  her  object  is 
univerfal  domination,  we  fee  that  nothing 
lefs  than  the  univerfal  degradation  of  man 
will  fatisfy  thefe  mercilefs  deftroyers.  But 
be  affured,  Sir,  fhould  the  fituation  of  our 
country  require  it,  we  are  ready  to  oppofe 
her  with  all  our  youthful  energy,  and  rifk 
our  lives  in  defence  of  our  national  rights. 

Untaught  in  the  fchool  of  adulation  or  the 
Court  of  fycophants,  we  fpeak  forth  the  pure 
fentiments  of  independence,  we  give  you 
our  warmeft  approbation.  We  behold  with 
patriotic  pride,  the  dignified  conduct  of  our 
chief  magistrate,  at  this  alarming  crifis  :  We 
are  highly  pleafed  with  that  candor,  firmnefs 
and  moderation  which  have  uniformly  cha- 
rafterized  his  administration.  Though  mea'- 
fures  decilive  and  energetic  meet  with  cen- 
fure  from  the  unprincipled,  the  difafFe6ted 
and  the  faftious,  yet  virtue  muft  eternally 

triumph. 


loo  P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 

triumph.  It  is  this  alone  -which  can  ftand 
the  tell  of  calumny.;  and  you  have  this  con- 
Iblation,  that  the  difapprobation  of  the  wick- 
ed is  folid  praife. 

At  this  eventful  period,  our  eyes  are  fixed 
upon  you,  Sir,  as  our  political  'father  ;  and 
under  ^the  protection  of  a  wife  Providence, 
we  rely  on  your  wifdom  and  patriotifm,  with 
ihe  co-operation  of  our  national  council,  to 
perpetuate  our  profperity  :  and  we  folemnly 
engage,  that  while  our  government  is  thus 
purely  and  virtuoufly  adminiftered,  we  will 
give  it  our  whole  fupport. 

Thefe,  Sir,-  sure  the  unanimous  fentiments 
of  the  members  of  Williams'  College,  who,, 
though  convinced  of  the  evils  of  war,  yet 
defpife  the  eafe  and  affluence  of  peace,  when 
put  in  competition  with  national  freedom 
and  fovereignty. 

Accept,  Sir,  our  warnaeft  folicitude  fop 
your  perfonal  welfare. 


To  the  STUDENTS  of  WILLIAMS'  COLLEGE^ 
State  of  MASSACHUSETTS. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  HAVE  not  been  lefs  furprized  than 
delighted  with  an  addrefs  from  one  hundred 
and  thirty  fludents  of  Williams*  College, 
preiented  to  me  by  the  Prcfident^?'o  tempore 
of  the  Senate,  Mr.  Sedgwick. 

So 


ADDRESSES.          101 

So  large  a  number  in  fo  recent  an  inftitu- 
tion,  as  it  fhews  the  flourifhing  circumftan- 
ces  of  our  country  at  prefent,  affords  a  moft 
pleating  profpeft  of  young  citizens  in  a 
courfe  of  education,  for  the  future  govcrn- 
ment,inftru61ion  and  ferviceof  the  country. 

The  compofition  of  your  addrefs,  fhews  a 
refpeclable  fample  of  your  literary  talents, 
as  the  principles  and  fentiments  it  contains 
do  honor  to  your  heads  and  hearts.  It  is 
impoffible  fortheunperverted  mind  of  youth 
to  fee  the  world  filled  with  violence,  as  it 
was  before  the  flood,  and  every  virtue  and 
every  principle  trampled  under  foot,  with- 
out feeling  their  fouls  fired  with  a  generous 
indignation.  Your  readinefs  to  oppofe  the 
torrent  with  all  your  youthful  energy,  and 
rifk  your  lives  in  defence  of  your  national 
rights,  is  greatly  to  your  honor. 

The  teftimony  of  your  opinion  in  favor 
of  the  candor,  firmnefs  and  moderation  of 
my  adminiftration,  is  the  more  valuable,  as 
you  hav-e  not  been  educated  in  the  fchool  of 
adulation,  and  fpeak  the  pure  fentiments  of 
independence. 

When-your  eyes  are  fixed  upon  me,  as 
your  political  father,  you  at  once  excite  the 
affeclions  of  my  heart,  and  make  me  fee!  my 
own  infufficiency  for  the  arduous  duties  of 
that  important  ch'araflren  With  the  co  op- 
eration of  the  national  councils  and  the  vir- 
I  2  tue? 


. 

102          PATRIOTIC 

tues  of  our  citizens,  I  defpair  not  of  the 
continuance  of  our  national  profperity — the 
talents  and  energies  of  the  rifing  generatioh 
are  a  fure  pledge  of  our  fafety,  and  the 
growing  importance  of  America. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

From  theSTU  DENTS  of  HARVARD  UNIVER- 
SITY,^//^ Excellency  JOHN  ADAMS^ 
PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATES. 

SIR, 

VvE  flatter  ourfelves  you  will  not  be  dif- 
pleafed  at  hearing  that  the  \valls  of  your 
native  feminary  are  now  inhabited  by  youth 
poffeffing  ientiments  congenial  with  your 
own.  We  do  not  pretend  to  great  political 
fagacity  ;  we  wifh  only  to  convince  man- 
kind that  we  inherit  the  intrepid  fpirit  of  our 
anceftors,  and  difdain  fubmiffion  to  the  will 
of  a  rapacious,  lawlefs  and  imperious  nation. 
Though  removed  from  aclive  life,  we  have 
watched  with  anxiety  the  intereft  of  our 
country  :  We  have  feen  a  nation  in  Europe, 
giaipingatuniverfal  conqueft,  trampling  on 
the  laws  of  God  and  nations,  fyftematizing 
rapine  and  plunder,  deftroying  foreign  gov- 
ernments by  the  ftrength  of  her  arms,  or  the 
peftilence  of  her  embrace^,  and  fcattering 
principles  which  fubvert  focial  order,  raife 
the  florms  of  domeftic(fa£lion,  and  perpet- 
uate 


ADDRESSES. 

uate  the  horrors  of  revolution  :  We  have 
feen  this  fame  nation  violating  our  neutral 
rights,  fpurning.  our  pacific  propofals,  her 
piratical  ckizens  fweeping  our  fhips  from 
the  feas>  and  venal  preffes  under  her  con- 
troul,  pouring  out  torrents  of  abufe  on  men, 
•who  have  grown  grey  in  our  fervice  :  We 
have  feen  her  minifters  in  this  country  in- 
fulting  our  government  by  a  daring,  unpre- 
cedented and  contemptuous  appeal  to  the 
people,  and  her  agents  at  home  offering 
conditions,  which  (laves,  whofe  necks  have 
grown  to  the  yoke,  would  rejecl  with  indig- 
nation. We  have  feen  this.  Sir,  and  our 
youthful  blood  has  boiled  within  us.  When, 
in  oppofition  to-  fueh  conduct,  we  contem- 
plate the  meafures  of  our  own  government, 
we  cannot  but  admire  and  venerate  the  uri- 
iuliied  integrity,  the  deciftve  prudence,  and 
dignified  firmnefs,  which  have  uniformly 
characterized  your  adminiflration.  Impreff- 
ed  with  thefe  fentiments,  we  now  folemrily 
offer  the  unwafted  ardor  and  unimpaired 
energies  of  our  youth  to  the  fervice  of  our 
country.  Our  lives  are  our  only  property  ; 
and  we  were  not  the  fons  of  thofe  who  fealed 
our  liberties  with  their  blood,  if  we  would 
not  defend  with  thefe  lives  that  foil,  which 
now  affords  a  peaceful  grave  to  the  moul- 
dering bones  of  our  forefathers* 

To 


104          PATRIOTIC 

To  the  STUDENTS  of  HARVARD  UNIVER- 
SITY, in  M A ss AC Ji u SETTS* 

GENTLEMEN, . 

THE  companions 5  fiudies  and  amufe- 
fnents  of  my  youth,  under  the  auipices  of 
our  alma-  mater,  whom  I  fhall  ever  hold  in 
the  higheft  veneration  and  affeQion,  came 
frefli  to  my,  remembrance  on  receiving  your 
addrefs* 

The  maxims  of  life,  and  the  elements  of 
literature,  which  have  ever  been  inculcated, 
in  that  ancient  feat  of  education,  could  pro- 
dirce  no  other  fentiments,  in  a 'juncture  like 
this,  than  fuch  as  you  have  condenfed  into 
a  form  fo  concife,  with  fo  much  accuracy, 
perfpicui-ty  and  beamy. 

Remoyed  from  the  fcenes  $f  intemperate 
pleafures,  occupied  with  books,  which  im~ 
prefs  the  pureft  principles,  and  directed  by 
governors,  tutors  and  profefTors,  famous  lor 
fcience,  as  well  as  eminent  in  wifdom,  the 
fludious  youth  of  this  country,  in  all  our 
univerfities,  could  not  fail  to  be  animated, 
with  the  intrepid  fpirit  of  their  anceftors  : 
Very  few  examples  of  degenerate  characlers5 
are  ever  feen  iiFuing  from  any  of  thofe  fem- 
inaries.  It  is*impoflible,  that  young  gentle- 
men of  your  habits,  can  look  forward  with 
pleafure  to  a  long  career  of  life,  in  a  degrad- 
ed country,  in  fociety  with  difgraced  aflbci- 

ates- 


ADDRESSES. 

ales. — Your  firft  care  fliould  be,  to  preferve 
the;ftage  from  reproach,  and  your  compan- 
ions in  the  drama,  from  difhonor. 

But  if  it  were  poffible  to  fuppofe  you  in- 
different to  fhame,  what  fecurity  can  you- 
have,  for  the  property  you  may  acquire,  or 
for  the  life  of  vegetation  you  mud  lead  ? 
What  is  to-be  the  Situation  of  the  future  di- 
vine, lawgiver,  or  phyfician  ?  the  merchant, 
or  navigator  ?  the  cultivator,  or  proprietor  ? 

Your  youthful  blood  has  boiled,  and  it 
ought  to  boil.  You  need  not,  however,  be 
difcouraged.  If  your  caufe  fliould  require 
defence  in  arms,  your  country  will 'have  ar- 
mies and  navies,  in-  which  you-  may  fecure 
your  own  honor,  and  advance  the  power, 
profperity  and  glory  of  your  contempora- 
ries and  pofterhy. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


DISTRICT  OF  MAINE 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  theUxiTED  STATES, 

SIR, 

• 

ALTHOUGH  we  are  fenfible  that  the 
beft  reward  for  your  great  and  diftinguifh- 
ed  fervices,  is  the  confcioufnefs  that  they 
have  been  performed  from  pure  and  honor- 
able motives,  we  hold  it  to  be  the  duty  of 

aji 


io6          P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 

all  citizens,  at  this  important  crifis  of  onr 
public  affairs,  to  offer  you  their  mod  fincere 
and  unequivocal  affurances  of  attachment 
and  fupport. 

In  the  ready  and  cheerful  difcharge  of 
this  duty,  the  fubfcribers,  citizens  of  the 
town  of  Portkind3in  the  Diitricl  of  Maine, 
beg  leave  to  allure  you  that  they  entertain, 
not  only  the  liigheft  veneration  for  your  cha- 
racter and  perfon,  but  have  a  firm  perfua- 
fion,  that  all  the  meafures  of  yomvadminif- 
tration,  and  more  particularly  thofe  which 
concern  our  foreign  relations. have  been  the 
rcfult  of  eminent  wifdom  and  unfhaken  pa* 
triotifm. 

As  a  parr  of  the  American  people,  edu- 
cated to  the  love  and  enjoyment  of  liberty^ 
and  in  the  habits  of  veneration  for  republi- 
can virtues,  we  have  no  language  to  exprefs 
our  indignation  at  the  late  meafures  of  the 
French  republic,  originating  in  the  moft  in- 
famous and  corrupt  ftratagems  to  annihilate 
our  national  foereignty.  While  every  prin- 
ciple of  duty  and  intereft  prompts  us  to  unite 
in  the  prefervation  and  defence  of  our  ex- 
cellent conftitution,  and  in  the  fupport  of 
thofe  by  whom  it  has  been  faithfully  admin- 
iftered,  we  cannot  but  exprefs  our  deep  re- 
gret that  the  citizens  of  France  do  not  feem 
to  poffefs  virtue  fufficient  to  meritthe  bleff- 
ings  of  a  free  gpvemmont, 

However 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          107 

However  wicked  and  hoftile  may  be  their 
defigns  upon  us,  our  confidence,  under  the 
favor  of  Heaven,  is  in  the  fortitude  and  una- 
nimity of  our  countrymen,  to  repreis  their 
pernicious  effects  ;  at  the  fatne  time,  that  a 
nation  9  under  the  rod  of  defpotifm,  and 
Avhofe  councils  are  dift  rafted  and  corrupt- 
ed, ought  not  to  be  feared. 

For  your  firm  and  dignified  refiftance 
againft  the  aggreffions  of  our  European  en- 
emies, we  render  you  our  wanned  gratitude, 
and  beg  leave  to,  repeat  our  aflurances,  that 
fuch  meafures  as  -{hall  be  devifed  by  you 
and  the  Congrefs  of  the  United  Stages,  for 
•the  prefervation  of  our  national  honor  and 
rights,  fhall  meet  our  moft  decided  and  zeal- 
ous iupport. 


To  the  PRESID.ENT   and  CONGRESS  of  the 
UNITED  STA.TES  of  AMERICA. 

,/A.T  a  time  when  .the  .agents  of  a  foreign 
nation  boalls  of  their  .  intriguing  talents,  and 
of  having  a  party  in  this  country  devoted  to 
their  intereft,  with  whofe  aid  they  pretend 
they  can  impofe  on  the  people  of  the  United 
States,  and  :by  their  deceptive  arts  prevent 
them  from  uniting  in  oprjo.fi  lion  to  the  urv 
reafonable  and  unjuft  demands  of  France; 
,and  at  a  time  when  fo  many  attemps  have 
-been  made,  to  defame  the  adminiflration  of 

our 


io8          PATRIOTIC 

our  own  government — The  inhabitants  ol 
the  town  of  Wells,  have  thought  it  expedi- 
ent to  addrcfs  you — and  acccordingly  at. 
their  meeting  Jicld  on  the  fevcntecnth  of 
May,  unanimoufly  directed  a  committee 
chofen  from  among  them,  relpeftfully  to 
declare  to  you,  and  through  you  to  the 
world,  their  firm  and  unfliaken  attachment 
to  their  country,  its  conftiuuion,  its  laws, 
and  conflituted  authorities — to  declare  to 
you  their  entire  approbation  of  the  meafurcs 
from  time  to  time,  adopted  by  the  fuprcme 
Executive  of  the  nation,  in  rcfpeft  to  our 
foreign  relations,  and  in  particular  towards 
the  French  republic — To  declare  to  you 
their  juft  indignation  againit  thofe  enemies 
of  our  country,  whether  foreign  or  domeflic, 
who  have  been  bufy  in  fowing  the  feeds  of 
difcord,  and  propagating  an  opinion,  that 
we  are  a  people  divided  from  our  govern- 
ment, and  oppofed  to  its  meafures — And  at 
the  fame  time  to  affure  you,  that  although 
they  deprecate  the  calamities  of  a  war,  yet 
rcpofing  the  bigheft-  confidence  in  your  pa- 
triotifrn, wifdom  and  firmnefs,  they  will  moft 
cheerfully  aflbrd  every  fupport  in  their  pow- 
er, for  carrying  into  complete  effect  all  inch 
meafurcs  as  you  (hall  deem  neccfiary  in  de- 
fence of  the  country,  and  for  fecuring  that 
freedom  and  independence  which  arc  equal- 
ly dear  to  the  American  .people  and  their 
government. 

ti 


\    P   n   U    K  S  S  K,  S.          iojj 

o  J#f  Pllf  SIDF-N^T  P/itaUN'ITi:D  STATES. 
SIR, 


this  important  crifis  of  our  national 
-s.  we  tlv  fubferibe.rs,  inhabitants  of  the 
(own  of  Arundell,  in  the  Dill  rid  of  Maine, 
hi\  c  <  .MUV;\  cd  it  o\ir  duty  re  fpccl  fully  to 
prifi  to  you,  our  linn  attachment  to  our 
federal  conOitution  and  government  —  and 
to  give  you  ihemoft  unequivocal  affurance, 
of  (Mir  porfVH  approbation  of  your  adminif- 
:ion  finee  you  have  prcfidcd  over  the  in- 
•cOs  of  our  common  country  ;  efpccially 
in  the  mrafurcs  adopted  in  relation  to  the 
Kreneli  nation.  AHd  while  we  behold,  with 
indignation  the  vile  infidious  attempts  of 
thofe  enemies  of  our  peace  and  happinefs, 
\vhciher  in  America  or  France,  calculated 
fd  divide  the  people  of  the  United  States 
from  then  Mncnt,  by  lowing  the  feeds 

of  difcord  and  {edition  ;\moni;fl  us,  thereby 
to  aceomplifh  the  fuhjugation  of  our  infant 
republic  ;  we  IK  to  affuro  you,  that 

placing  the  ftillcll  eonlidencc  in  your  wif 
•dom,  linnnefs  and  integrity,  and  in  the 
p.itriotifm  of  oveiy  department  oi'  our  j;ov 

i  vnment,  ve  will  -cheou'iilh   afflTord   every 
fupport  in  our  power  to  effecluatc  fuch  mea 
fures  as  you  and  they  fhall  deem  expedient 
to  adopt  for  the  defence  wit)  protection  of 
•our  country  ,  its  freedom  and  independence. 

K  RHODE- 


MO          P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 
R  HO  DE-I  S  LAND. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNI  TED  STATES, 
SIR, 

THE  General  Atfembly  of  the  State  of 
Rhode-Iiland  and  Providence  Plantations, 
beg  leave  to  exprefs  their  cordial  approba- 
tion of  your  wife  and  pacific  meafures,  in 
the  attempt  to  negociate  with  the  republic 
of  France.  They  obferve,  with  fingular 
fatisfaftion,  that  you  appear  to  have  been 
actuated  by  a  fincere  delire  to  do  juftice  to 
that  republic,  if  in  any  thing  fhe  had  been 
injured  ;  to  obtain  juftice  for  the  multiplied 
.injuries  which  her  citizens  had  committed 
again/I  us  ;  and,  above  all,  to  preferve 
peace.  We  indulged  a  hope,  that  your 
overtures  for  reconciliation,  diftated  by  a 
fpirit  of  impartiality,  and  a  love  of  juftice, 
•would  have  been  heard  with  candor,  and 
treated  with  refpecl.  It  is  therefore  with 
regret  and  aftoniihmcnt  we  learn,  that  thefe 
unequivocal  proofs  of  friendfhip  have  been 
difregarded;  that  our  envoys  have  not  been 
accredited,  and  that  the  mod  liberal  advan- 
ces to  negociation  have  been  rejected.  You 
liave  purfued  peace  with  a  folicitude  cor- 
jefponding  with  the  importance  of  the  ob- 
;  and  if  it  cannot  be  preferved,  the 
ought  not.  to  be  attributed  to  any 

want 


A  D  D'R.E  S  S  E  S.          ni 

of  liberality  or  juftice  in  the  means 
you  have  employed.  We  are  fatisfied  that 
you  could  not  have  gone  further  toward  the 
attainment  of  this  objeft,  without  committing 
the  honor  and  dignity  of  our  country. 

In  the  prefent  ftate  of  our  national  affairs, 
\vhen  a  foreign  power  has  loft  fight  of  the 
immutable  principles  of  jullice,  and  of  the 
folemn  faith  of  treaties,,  and  cheriflies  the 
unfounded  opinion  that  the  people  and  gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States  are  divided, 
\ve  confider  it  our  facred  duty  to  declare  to 
you,  and  to  the  world^  that  the  government 
of  our  country  have  merited  and  obtained 
our  affectionate  confidence. 

On  an  occafion  fo  interefting,  \ve  feel  the 
moft  lively  pleafure  in  giving  you  every  af- 
furance  of  our  confidence  in  your  wifdom 
and  integrity,  and  of  our  refpeftful  and  pef- 
fonal  attachment.  Relying,  under  God, 
upon  the  unanimity,  courage  and  virtue  of 
our  fellow-citizens,  we  declare  our  folemn 
determination  to  fupport  the  conftitiition 
and  government  of  the  United  States. 


From  the  Town  of  N  E \v p o R T,  to  the  PRESI- 
DENT of  the  UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

AT  this  alarming   crifis,  when  a  foreign 
power  cherilhes  the  unfounded  and  danger- 
ous 


ii2          PATRIOTIC 

ous  opinion,  that  the  people  and  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States  are  divided,  and 
is  thereby  encouraged  to  entertain  the  moft 
hoflile  projects  againft  both  j  we  confider  it 
our  duty,  to  declare  to  you  and  the  world, 
that  our  affe&ions  are  wedded  to  our  con- 
ftitution  and  our  government,  that  all  the 
objecls  of  your  adminiftration.and  the  means 
by  which  they  have  been  purfued,  particu- 
larly as  they  regard  the  republic  of  France, 
challenge  our  moft  cordial  approbation  and 
grateful  applaufe. 

•-  Believing  peace  to  be  the  true  policy  of 
our  country,  we  rejoice  to  find,  by  your  in- 
flruQions  to  our  envoys,  that  you  have  en- 
deavoured, by  every  prudent  and  honorable 
expedient,  to  avert  the  calamities  of  war, 
and  to  preferve  undiminifhed,  the  public 
harmony  and  profperity  ;  and  we  are  con- 
fcious  that  you  could  not  have  gone  further, 
in  the  purfuit  of  this  object,  without  viola- 
ting  the  good  faith,  proll rating  the  honor, 
or  lurrendering  the  independence  of  the 
United  States. 

On  an  occaflon  fo  interefting,  we  beg 
leave  to  offer  you,  the  afTurances  of  our  re- 
fpect  ;  foiemnly  pledging  ourfelves.  that,, 
by  uniting  clofely  with  the  government,  re- 
pofing  in  it  a  liberal  confidence,  acquiefcing 
cheerfully  in  whatever  burdens  the  public 
exigencies  may  require,  we  \vilU  with  zeal, 

vs7Uh 


ADDRESSES.          113 

perfeverance,  and  all  the  energy  of  a 
people  determined  to  be  free  and  independ- 
ent, refifl  foreign  influence,  and  repel  for- 
eign aggreffion. 


To  the  INHABITANTS  of  NEWPORT. 

GENTLEMEN,- 

I  THANK  you  for  this  cordial  ad- 
drefs.  When  you  declare  to  the  world,  that 
your  affections  are  wedded  to  your  conttitu- 
tion  and  government  ;  that  all  the  objects  of 
my  achnini  ft  ration  and  the  means  by  which 
they  have  been  purfued,  particularly  as  they 
regard  the  republic  of  France,challengc  your 
mod  cordial"  approbation  and  grateful  ap- 
plaufe  ;  that  I'  have  endeavoured,  by  every 
prudent  and  honorable  expedient,  to  avert 
the  calamities  of  war,  and  preferve  undimin- 
ifhed,  the  public  harmony  and  prosperity, 
and  that  I  could  not  have  gone  further  in 
purfuit  of  thefe  objefts,without  violating  the 
faith,  proftrating  the  honor,  or  furrendering 
the  independence  of  the  United  States  ;  that 
by  uniting  clolely  with  the  government,  re- 
pofing  in  it  a  liberal  confidence,  acquiefcing 
cheerfully  in  whatever  burthens  the  public 
exigences  may  require,  you  will,  with  zeal 
and  perfeverance,  and  all  the  energy  of  a 
people  determined  to  be  free  and  independ- 
ent, refift  foreign  influence  and  repel  foreign 
K  2  aggreflion  ; 


.114          PATRIOTIC 

aggreflion ;— you  cleferve  well  of  your  coup 
try,  and  command  my  mod  hearty  thanks. 

JOHN  ADAMS, 


*   To  the  PRESIDE  NT  of  the  UNITED  STATES* 
SIR, 

X  HE  underwritten,  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Providence,  voluntarily  aflembled, 
in  purfuance  of  public  notice,  beg  leave  to 
addrefs  you,  with  feiuimcnts  of  perfonal  and 
profound  refpeft. 

The  late  difclofure  of  the  views  and  de- 
iigns  of  France,  in  contraft  with  the  pacific 
difpofition  of  the  United  States,  has  excited^ 
the  moftdifquietingapprehenfions  of  hoftil- 
ities  from  that  republic,  and  the  moft  unlim- 
ited confidence, in  the  wifdom, integrity  and 
patriotifm  of  the  adminiftration  of  our  gov- 
ernment. 

;v- In  the  prog  re  fs  of  the  negociation  with 
that  republic,  whofe  legitimate  origin  we 
Tvere  the  firft  to  acknowledge— a  republic, 
vhichatthe  dawn  of  its  politieal  day,feeme£ 
elevated  to  the  moft  fublime  height  of  vir- 
tue, and  difclaimed  in  the  firft  exercife  of  its 
power,  all  right  to  interfere  in  the  internal 
concerns  of  other  nations,  we  obfcrve,  with 
regret,  a  departure  from  the  great  principles 
of  Jjjberty  and  jiifticc  ;  and  we  obferve  this 

with 


ADDRESSES.          115 

with  the  deeper  regret,  becaufe  that  country 
received  its  firft  lefibn  of  liberty  from  ours*. 

After  the  numberlefs  and  trying  proofs,- 
which  the  United  States  had  given  of  their 
fincere  defire  to  preferve  an  impartial  neu- 
trality ;  their  repeated  applications  for  re- 
drefs,  might  at  leaft  Ifave  been  anfwered  with' 
profeflions  of  amity  and  a  love  of  juftice  ;-. 
inftead  of  an  avowed  intention,  ftill  further 
to  impoverifh  us,  and  to  purfue  a  ftudiecr 
fyflem  of  univerfal  domination.. 

While  we  lament  that  fome  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  this  country,  have  too  much  attached' 
themfelves  to  European  politics,  we  believe 
this  dangerous  miflake  proceeded  not  from 
a  treacherous  defe&ion  from  the  c^ufe  of 
their  country,  but  from  the  fafciuation  of 
the  brilliant  fpcclacie,  of  a  nation  viftoriouf- 
ly  contending  for  its  liberties.. 

We  rejoice  that  the  fcales  have  now  fallen 
from  their  eyes*  They  muft  now  fee,  what 
enlightened  itatefmen  have  feen  before,  that 
the  facred  name  of  liberty,  is  prophaned  to 
difguife  projects  of  ambition  and  conqueft, 

Your  late  communications^  muft  cement 
the  public  councils, and  increafe  the  energy 
of  government. 

The  inadmiffable,  and   exorbitant  exac- 
tions of  France,  will  not  only  deprive  them 
of  every  American  advocate,  but  convince 
the  world,  that  an  adjuftment  of  the  differ- 
ences 


P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 

ences  between  the  two  countries,  %vas  irn- 
practicable  on  any  other  bafis,  than  the  prof- 
tration  of  America  at  the  feet  of  France. 
The  refult  in  the  mind  of  every  American 
mud  be,  a  manly  determination  to  vindicate 
the  honor  and  intereft  of  his  country* 

Should  we  be  driven  to  the  1  aft  appeal,  w'e 
have  an  extenfive  country  filll  of  refotrces, 
and  we  truft  in  God,  who'  has1  hitherto  fo 
fignally  favoured  us,  that 'he  \vill  again  irt- 
fpire  us  with  that  Blowing  zeal,  and  undif- 
rnayed;  courage,  which*  in  a  period  not 
remote,  this  people  ib  faccefsfully  difplay- 
ed  ;  and  in  fuch  an  exigency,  we  fhall  derive 
additional  confidence,  from  the  firm  moder- 
ation, the  long  tried  integrity,  the  ripened 
•wifdom,  which  induced  an  enlightened  na- 
tion, to  place  you  at-thehelm  of  government. 

We  cannot  clofe  ^without  affuring  you  of 
our  entire  approbation  of 'your  conduct  in 
relation  to  the  foreign  concerns  of  this  coun- 
try, of  our  prayers  for  your  perfonal  health 
and  happinefs,  and  of  our  readinefs,  with 
our  lives  and  fortunes,  to  fupport  the  digni-- 
ty  and  independence  of  the  United  States, 


To  the  INHABITANTS  of  PROVIDENCE, 
GENTLEMEN, 

THE  refpeftful  addrcfs  from  the  in- 
habitants of  Providence,  who  have  been  my 

friends 


ADDRESSES.          u7 

friends  and  neighbours  from  ray  youth,  \vas 
by  no  means  iieceffary  to  convince  me  of 
their  affectionate  attachment. 

Imagination  can  fcarcely  conceive  a 
ftronger  contra  ft,  than  has  lately  been  dif- 
clofed  between  the  views  of  France  and 
thofe  of  the  United  States.  1  will  not  dif- 
tinguim  between  the  views  of  the  govern^- 
ments  and  thole  of  the  nations;  if  in  France 
they  are  different,  the  nation,  \vhofe  right  it 
is,  will  foon  fhew  they  are  fo  ;  if  in  America 
they  are  the  fame,  this  faft  alfo  will  be  fhewn 
by  the  nation  in  a  fliort  time  in  a  ftrong  light. 
I  cannot,  however* fee  in  this  contraft  a  fuf- 
ficient  caufe  of  difquieting  apprehenfions  of 
hoftilities  from  that  republic :  hoftilities  have 
already  come  thick  upon  us  by  furprize^ 
from  that  quarter — If  others  are  coming* 
we  {hall  be  better  prepared  to  meet  and  re- 
pel them. 

When  we  were  the  firft  to  acknowledge 
-the  legitimate  origin  of  the  French  republic, 
we  discovered  at  leaft  as  much  zeal,  fincerity 
and  honcfty  of  heart, as  we  did  of  knowledge 
of  the  fubjecl.  or  forefight  of  its  eonlequen- 
ces — the  ill  i'uccels  of  thofe  proofs  which 
the  United  States  have  given  of  their  fin  cere 
defire  to  preierve  an  in^partial  neutrality, 
and  of  their  repeated  ne^ociations  for  re- 
drefs  of  wrongs,  have  demonftrated,  that 
other  means  mud  be  reforted  to3  in  order  to- 
•bt^in  it,.  1 


M£         PATRIOTIC 

I  agree  entirely  with  you  in  acquitting,  in 
general,  thole  of  our  citizens,  who  have  too 
much  attached  themfel  ves  to  European  poli- 
tics, of  any  treacherous  defection  from  the 
cauie  of  their  country.  The  French  Revolu- 
tion, was  a  ipeftacle,  fo  novel,  and  the  caufe 
was  io  complicated,  that  1  have  ever  ac- 
knowledged my.felf  incompetent  to  judge  of 
it, as  it  concerned  (be  happinefs  of  France, or 
operated  on  that  of  manki-nd;  my  country- 
men in  general,  were,  I  believe  as  ill  quali- 
fied as  myfelf  to  decide;  the  French  nation 
alone,  had  the  right,  and  the  capacity,  and 
to  them  it  fhould  have  been  refigned  ; 
\vefhould  have  fufpended  our  judgments^ 
and  been- as  neutral  and  impartial  between 
the  parties  in  France,  as  between  the  nation-s 
of  Europe. 

The  honor  of  our  nation  is  now  univer- 
fally  feen  to  be  at  ftake,  and  its  independ- 
ence in  queftion,  and  all  America  appears 
to  declare,  with  one  heart  and  one  voice,  a 
manly  determination  to  vindicate  both. 

The  legiflature,  by  the  late  publication  of 
inftru£lions  and  difpatches,  have  appealed 
to  the  world,  and  if  the  iron  hand  of  power 
has  not  locked  up  the  prefles  of  Europe,  in 
fiich  a  manner  that  the  facls  cannot  be  com- 
municated to  mankind,  the  impartial  fenfe, 
and  the  voice  of  human  nature,  mud  be  in 
Qur  favor..  If  perleverance  in  injuftice 

ihou^L- 


ADDRESSES.          11$ 

Diould  neceflitate  the  laft  appeal,  whatever 
caufes  we  may  have  to  humble  ourfelves  be- 
fore the  fuprenaetribunalj  we  have  none,  for 
any  other  iientiment,  than  the  pride  of  vir- 
tue, and  honeft  indignation,  agaiuft  the  late 
conduft  of  France  towards  us. 

I  thank  you,  gentlemen,  for  your  perfonal 
civilities  tome,  and  return  your  kind  wifhes 
for  my  happinefs. 

Your  noble  declaration  of  your  readinefs, 
with  your  lives  and  fortunes, to  fupport  the 
dignity  and  independence  of  the  United 
States,  will  receive  the  applaufe  of  your 
country,  and  of  all  who  have  the  fentiments 
and  feelings  of  men. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

X  HE  State  Society  of  Cincinnati  of 
Rhode-Ifland  and  Providence  Plantations, 
affembled  to  celebrate  the  birth-day  of  our 
national  independence^beg  leave  re  fpe-Q.  ful- 
ly to  addrefsyou  on  the  prcfent  momentous 
crifis  of  our  public  affairs.  We  have  view- 
ed the  progrefs  of  your  adminiftration  with 
that  folicitude  and  anxiety  which  become 
free  citizens,  who  know  how  to  appreciate 
:^he,We flings  of  liberty.  And  it  is  with  ex- 
treme 


120          PA  T  R  1  O  T  I  C 

treme  regret,  that  we  have  obferved  the  at- 
tempts of  certain  profligate  and  defigning 
men  to  weaken  the  bond  of  national  union, 
and  diminifh  the  refpeft  due  to  the  laws,  the 
conftitution,  and  the  magiftracy.     But  we 
are  relieved  from  our  apprehenfions,  by  a 
clear  conviction,  that  the  firm,  patriotic  and 
enlightened  policy  purfued  by  the  chief  mag- 
iftrate  of  the  United  States,  fupported  by  a 
great  and  refpeclable  majority  of  our  fellow- 
citizens,  will   not  only  p  rot  eel:  our  country 
from   national  infult  and  degradation,  but 
place  her  on  that  point  of  elevation  to  which 
fhe  is  entitled  by  her  courage,  her  virtues 
and  fuccefsful  ftruggle  in  the  caufc  of  free- 
dom.    With  a  fincerity  void  of  duplicity, 
we  affure  you  of  our  entire  approbation  of 
all  the  meafures  you  have  purfaed  to  pre- 
ferve  the  peace  of  our  country  ;  and  it  is 
with  indignation  we  have  witneffed  every 
attempt  to  obtain  an  end  fo  defirable  to  hu- 
manity, and   the  repofe  of  nations,  treated 
yith  infolence  and  contempt   by  a  foreign 
power,  whofe  infidious  profeffions  induced 
us  to  expect  tranquillity,  while  her  conduct 
bade  us  arm  to  fupport  our  fovereignty  and 
independence,  or  tamely  fubmit  to  be  gov- 
erned by  "diplomatic  (kill"  and  foreign  in- 
fluence.— 'Wfe  are  determined  to  live  and 
diefree — and  we  are  ready  once  more  to  rally 
round  the  ftandard  of  our  country,  headed 
by  that  illuftrious  cliief,  who,  at  a  time  that 

proved 


ADDRESSES.          121 

proved  the  patriot  and  hero,  led  us  to  victory 
and  independence.  Every  facrifice  \vhich 
the  future  c  ire  urn  fiances  of  our  country 
may  require,  under  whatever  leader,  we 
fha'll  confider  as  nothing,  when  put  in  com- 
petition with  the  rights  of  a  free,  fovereign 
and  independent  nation  —  and  we  hope  and 
truft  by  the  bleffing  of  Heaven,  and  the  wif- 
dom  of  our  Executive,  aided  by  the  coun- 
cils of  the  United  States,  and  the  generous 
efforts  of  her  fons,  that  we  mall  be  able  to 
repe,l  all  foreign  aggrqffion,  and  tranfmk 
unimpaired  our  fair  inheritance  to  lateft 
poUerity. 

To  the  S  o  c  i  r  T  Y  of  ihe  CINCINNATI,  in  the 
State    of  RHODE-ISLAND    and   PROVI- 

'rj  E  N  C  E"  P  L  A  N'T  AT  I  ON  S. 

:'     -  .        i. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  your  refpeftful 
remembrance  of  me  on  the  birth-day  of  our 
United  States.  —  The  clear  conviction  you 
acknowledge  of  die  firm,  patriotic  and  en- 
lightened policy,  purfued  by  the  chief  mag- 
iftrate  of  the  United  States,  after  a  review 
of  the  progrefs  of  his  adminiftration,  will 
encourage  hisdeart,and  ftrengthen  bis  hands. 
—  Our  country,  fupported.  by  a  great  and 
refpeftable  majority  of  its  inhabitants,  will 
not  only  be  protected  from  a  degrading  fub 

- 


miffion  to  national  infuhs.  but 

LS1M 


e 


PATRIOTIC 

truft,  on  that  point  of  elevation, where  by  her 
courage  and  virtues  fhe  is  entitled  to  ftand. 
The  belt  "diplomatic  (kill"  is  hone/ly ;  and 
whenever  the  nation  we  complain  of,  fhall 
have  recourfe  tothat:(he  may  depend  upon 
an  opportunity  to  boaft  of  the  fuccefs  of  her 
addrefs — till  then  fhe  will  employ  her  finefle 
in  vain.  On  the  day  you  refolved  to  live 
and  die/r^and  declared  yourfelves  ready 
to  rally  round  the  ftandard  of  your  country, 
headed  by  that  illuftrious  chief,  who,  at  a 
time  that  proved  the  patriot  and  hero,  led 
you  to  victory — I  was  employed  in  the  beft 
of  mealuft'S  in  my  power  to  obtain  a  grati- 
fication of  your  wifhes,  which  I  am  not 
without  hopes  may  prove  fuccefsful. — In  a 
country  like  ours,  every  facrifke  ought  to 
be  confidered  as  nothing,  when  put  in  cpm- 
petition  with  the  rights  of  a  free  and  fover- 
eign  .nation  ;  and  I  truft,  that  by  the  bleffing 
of  Heaven,  and  the  valor  of  our  citizens, 
under  their  ancient  and  glorious  leader,  you 
\vill  be  able  to  tranfmit  your  fairefl  inherit- 
ance  to  pofterity.  JOHN  ADAMS. 

«.««<.«...gS«"< |_"          "^-^p..^.^.^ 

From  the  STUDENTS  of  RHODE-ISLAND 
COLLEGE,/^  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNI- 
TED STATES. 
SIR, 

JL  OUR  late  communication  to  Congrefs, 
from  our  envoys  to  fhe  French  republic, 

excites 


ADDRESSES. 

excites  in  our  breads  the  livelieft  folicitude 
for  the  welfare  of  our  country.  We  regret 
that  your  efforts  amicably  to  accommodate 
the  difficulties,  in  which  we  are  at  prefent 
involved,  have  not  been  attended  with  that 
fuccefs,  which  a  confidence  in  your  admin- 
jftration  induced  us  to  expect.  With  indig- 
nation we  learn  the  humiliating  conditions 
demanded  of  us  by  France,  and  tr.uft  they 
will  never  be  complied  with,  while  a  drop 
of  the  American  blood  remains  unfhed*. 

During  our  late  glorious  ftruggle  for  in- 
dependence, this  feat  of  literature  bore  a 
dittinguifhed  part  in  the  common  calamities 
of  our  country.  Her  mouldering  walls 
even  now  evince  the  caufe  in  which  {he  fuf- 
fered.  Sufficiently  have  we,  already,  expe- 
rienced the  evils  of  war; — fufficiently  ftrong 
are  the  inducements  which  lead  us  to  defire 
peace  ;  yet  to  us,  nothing  can  be  more  hu- 
miliating'lhan  to  facrince  our  liberties,  to 
avert  the  former,  or  preferve  the  lattef. 
Sooner  will  we  confederate  with  the  great 
mafs  of  our  citizens,  in  the  public  caufe, 
rally  around  the  ftandard  of  liberty,  refolved 
to  live  free,  or  perifh  by  one  noble  effort, 
in  the  caufe  of  violated  liberty. 

At  a  period,  when   fuch  principles   arc 
avowed  as  threaten  deftru&ion  to  liberty, 
religion,  and  therepofe  of  all  nations,  when 
the  American  charafter  is  debafed  and  de- 
graded, 


PATRIOTIC 

graded,  by  falfe  and  calumnious  inlinua- 
iions  ;  we  hope  we  (hall  not  be  confidered 
as  deviating  from  propriety,  by  expreffing 
our  unfeigned  approbation  of  your  public 
conduct,  and  our  fixed  determination  never 
to  furvive  our  national  independence. 

Accept,  Sir,  the  molt  ardent  defires  of  the 
ftudents  of  this  feminary,  for  the  profperity 
of  the  United  States,  and  their  united  pray- 
ers for  your  health  and  happinefs. 


To  '  iht    STUDENTS,    of    R  H  o  n  r. -1  s  L  A  :?  b 

COLLEGE. 
GENTLEMEN, 

THIS  addrefs,  following  fo  foon  after 
thofe  demonflrations  of  confidence*  refpeflt 
and  affection,  which  I  received  from  you, 
rny  amiable  young  friends,  at  your  univer- 
lity,  the  lad  year,  has  tenderly  afretled  .rny 
fe^fibility. 

The  fol-i'citude  you  manifeft  for  the-  wel- 
fare of  your  country,  well  becomes  you? 
•who  have  long  to  live,  and  as  I  hope, 'and 
believe  have  illuftrious  parts  to  acl,  in  the 
naval,  military.,  divil  and  religious  inftitu- 
lions  of  ipcicty. 

Wbile  I  Hi  a  re,  in  your  regrets-  for  the  iil 
fuccefs  of  my  efforts  to  accommoditte  diffi- 
culties, rny  heart  fympathizes  in  your  gener- 
ous 


AD  D  R  E  S  S  E  S. 

ous  indignation,  at  the  unworthy  returns  we 
have  received,  and  with  you,  I  truft,  that 
no  difgraceful  demands  will  ever  be  com- 
plied with. 

America  in  general,  and  your  part  of  il 
in  particular,  though  ever  averfe  to  war, 
have  always  been  familiar  with  it,  becaufe 
from  the  firft  plantation  of  the  country,  they 
never  could  avoid  it,  for  any  long  courfe  of 
years. 

The  fifteen  years  of  peace,  which  have 
been  enjoyed,  fince  the  year  1782,  is  the 
longeft  period  of  tranquillity,  perhaps,  which 
we  have  ever  enjoyed.  The  longer  the 
peace,  the  greater  averfion  of  the  citizens  to 
war,  as  many  republicans  of- Europe  have 
fatally  experienced  ;  in  this  confederation, 
you  may  perhaps  find  fome  confolation,  if 
war  cannot  be  avoided  without  a  facrifice 
of  honor. 

Your  unfeigned  approbation  of  my  pub- 
lic conduct  is  as  honorable  to  me,  as  your 
fixed  determination,  never  to  furvive  your 
national  independence  is  glorious  to  your- 
felves. 

In  return  for  your  kind  wifhes,!  fincerely 
pray  that  you  and  your  univerfity,  may 
fJourifh  forever  in  the  happy  fruits  of  liber- 
ty, literature,  fcience,  morals  and  religion. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 
La  CON- 


PATRIOTIC 
CONNECTICUT. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  Lie  UN  ITED  STATES, 

SIR, 

I  HE  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Connec- 
ticut is  not  in  the  habit  of  interfering  in  the 
admtmft  ration  of  the  general  government, 
nor  of  obtruding  opinions  or  advice  upon 
the  councils  of  the  Union.  We  have  been 
accuftomed  to  exhibit,  as  a  fair  and  fuffi  dent 
proof  of  our  affection  for  the  national  con- 
{Htution,  an  uniform  obedience  to  the  laws, 
and  an  undeviating  refpeft  for  the  conflitu- 
ted  authorities  ;  but  at  a  time  when  the  Ame- 
rican nation  is  deeply  injured  and  infulted, 
by  the  lawlefs  aggreffions  and  imperious 
claims  of  a  foreign  power—when  oar  ene- 
mies profefs  to  confide  in  our  difuniori,  and 
boaft  of  "the  means"  of  fevering  the  affec- 
tions of  our  citizens  from  the  government 
of  their  choice  —  it  would  ill  comport  with 
our  duty  or  our  feelings  to  reprefs  the  fenti- 
ments  with  which  we  are  animated. 

That  the  United  States,  extenfively  con- 
cerned in  commercial  intercourfe,  •fho'uld 
l>e,  in  fome  degree  affected  by  a  war  which 
defolates  Europe,  was  to  be  expected  —  But 
that  a  neutrality,  ftri&  and  impartial,  fhould 
be  openly  and  infidioufly  attacked-—  that  in- 
trigues?  of  a  complexion  and  chara&er  the 

nioft 


'A  D'D  R  ETS  S  E  B. 

mofl  formidable  to  our  internal  peace.fhould 
beinduftrioufly  praftiled—that  one  ambaf- 
&4or  Ihould  be  refufed  an  audience;  and 
.that  three  envoys  fent  exprefsly  as  the  mef- 
fengers  of  peace,  fhould  be  treated  with 
contemptuous  neglect— or,  for  their  over- 
tures fo  juft  and  honorable,  demands  t^e 
moft  inlblentand  infufferable  fhould  be  fub- 
ftituted  by  the  government  of  a  nation  af~ 
fuming  the  high  appellation  of  "a  gr:eatand 
magnanimous  republic,"  was  not  to  be  be- 
lieved till  realized,  and  can  be  afcribed  only 
to  a  lull  of  domination  which  knows  no 
bounds,  and  to  an  abandonment  of  the  prin- 
ciples of  morality  and  juftice,  without  exam- 
ple in  the  hiftory  of  the  world. 

Filled  with  aftonifhment  and  in'digaationr 
at  events  which  threaten  pur  national  exift- 
ence,  we  highly  applaud  the  digjiity  and 
-frrmnefs,  fo-  confpicuoufly  difplaycd  by  the 
Executive,  and  the  prompt  and  efficacious 
rneafures  adopted  by  the  government^  and  we 
allure  them  of  our  firm  and  hearty  fupport; 

We  deprecate  war— but  we  cherifh'oiir  IT*. 
dependence  ;— it  was  V;dn  by  a  firtiggle  fob 
fevere,  to  be  eafily  (urfendertd.  We  revere 
ihe  names,  the  virtues  and  the  fufferings  of 
our  anceftors---The  inefiimable  gift  of  civil 
and  religious  freedom  derived  from  them, 
ihall  not  be  impaired  on  our  hands  ;  and  no 
facrifice  of  blood  ,or  trcafure  fhali  be  cf- 
,  teemed 


126          PATRIOTIC 

CONNECTICUT, 

£$£-&+. 
To  the  PRESIDENT  of  t lie  UN  ITED  STATES, 

SIR, 

TlIE  Legiflature  of  the  State  of  Connec- 
ticut is  not  in  the  habit  of  interfering  in  the 
adminift  ration  of  the  general  government, 
nor  of  obtruding  opinions  or  advice  upon 
the  councils  of  the  Union.  We  have  been 
accuftomed  to  exhibit,  as  a  fair  and  fuffi dent 

Sroof  of  our  affection  for  the  national  con- 
itution,  an  uniform  obedience  to  the  laws, 
and  an  undeviating  refpeft  for  the  conftitu- 
ted  authorities ;  but  at  a  time  when  the  Ame- 
rican nation  is  deeply  injured  and  infuhed, 
by  the  lawlefs  aggreffions  and  imperious 
claims  of  a  foreign  power — when  oar  ene- 
mies profefs  to  confide  in  our  difunion,  and 
boaft  of  "the  means"  of  fevering  the  affec- 
tions of  our  citizens  from  the  government 
6f  their  choice — it  would  ill  comport  with 
our  duty  or  our  feelings  to  reprefs  the  fenti- 
ments  with  which  we  are  animated. 

That  the  United  States,  extenfively  con- 
cerned in  commercial  intercourfe, 'fhould 
fee,  in  fome  degree  affe&ed  by  a  war  which 
defolates  Europe,  was  to  be  expelled — But 
that  a  neutrality,  ftricl;  and  impartial,  fhoald 
be  openly  and  infidioufly  attacked-— that  in- 
trigues?  of  a  complexion  and  character  the 

nioft 


'A  D'D  R  E'S  S  E  S. 

tnofl  formidable  to  our  internal  peace,fhoulcl 
be  induftrioufly  praftiled— that  one  ambaf- 
&4or  fhould  be  refufed  an  audience ;  and 
.that  three  envoys  fent  exprefsly  as  the  me f- 
fengers  of  peace,  fliould  be  treated  with 
contemptuous  neglecV--ory  for  their  over- 
tures fo  jufi  and  honorable,  demands  the 
moft  infblent  and  infufferable  fhould  be  fub- 
ftituted  by  the  government  of  a  nation  :a£- 
fuming  the  high  appellation  of  "a  great  and 
magnanimous  republic,"  was  not  to  be  be- 
lieved till  realized,  and  can  be  afcribed  only 
to  a  lull  of  domination  which  knows  nfo 
bounds,  and  to  an  abandonment  of  the  prin- 
ciples of  morality  and  juftice,  without  exam- 
ple in  the  hiftory  of  the  world. 

Filled  with  aftonifhment  and  indignation, 
at  events  which  threaten  our  national  exift- 
ence,  we  highly  applaud  the  digrmy  and 
.fiYmnefs,  fo  confpicuoufly  difplaycd  by  the 
Executive,  and  the  prompt  and  efficacious 
meafures  adopted  by  the  government^  and  \ve 
afiure  them  of  our  firm  and  hearty  fupport, 

We  deprecate  war— but  we  ehei^ifh'our  11^- 
^dependence  ;— it  was  V/dn  by  a  ftftiggle  to6 
fevere,  to  be  eafily  (urfenderfed.  We  revere 
ihe  names,  the  virtues  and  the  fuflTerings  of 
our  anceftors--The  ineftimable  gift  of  civil 
and  religious  freedom  derived  from  them, 
fhall  not  be  impaired  on  our  hands  ;  and  no 
ikqrifice  of  bloo-d  ,or  treafure  lhaii  be  ef- 

teemed 


PATRIOTIC 

od,  we  hope  that  an  addrefs  from  the  inhab- 
itants of  Hartford  may  be  .neither  improper 
nor  unacceptable. 

Though  we  ftrongly  feel  the  indignities, 
•which  the  United  States  have  received  from 
the  temporary  rulers- of  France,  and  lament 
their  unprovoked  depredations  upon  our 
commerce,  yet  fince  it  is  evident,  that  their 
momentary  friendship  could  be  purchafed 
only  by  the  facrifice  of  our  wealth  and  in- 
dependence ;.  permit  us  to  conlider  theiffue 
of  your  late  endeavors  to  negociate  with 
that  haughty  power,  as  a  fubje6l  rather  of 
juft  congratulation,  than  defpondence. 

The  defigns  of  foreign  hoftility,  and  the 
views  of  domefiic  treachery,  are  now  fully 
difclofed.  The  moderation,  wifdom  and 
dignity  of  our  adminiftration,  have  awed 
into  filence  the  clamors  of  faQion,  and  pai- 
/iedthe  thoufand  tongues  of  calumny.  The 
fpirit  of  the  independent  freemen  is  again 
awakened,  and  its  combined  force  will  be 
irrefiftible.  Situated  at  a  happy  di fiance 
from  the  defperate  contentions  of  oppreffive 
monarchies,  and  unformed  republics,  while 
we  continue  firm  and  united,  we  can  only 
be  involved  in  the  ftirts  of  that  ft'o'rm,  which 
fhakes  Europe  to  its  foundations.  Internal 
fbclion  and  treafon  alone  can  endanger  tfur 
government  ;.  and  we  are  happy  to  find  that 
ihefe  exift  only  in  the  feeble  efforts  of  a  few 

"  dtfappointed 


ADDRESSES.          131 

difappointed  partizans.  Though  fome  of 
the  fouthern  itates  have  been  artfully  mif- 
reprefented,  a.s  pppofed  to  the  federal  gov- 
ernment, and  enemies  to  its  adminiftration, 
we  do  not  hefitate  to  exprefs  our  confidence 
in  the  collected  firmnefs  and  wifdom  which 
they  have  «ver  difplayed  on  the  approach 
of  real  danger.  Nor  can  we  djuibt  that  they 
will  join  us  with  equal  fpirit  t^:rufh  every 
attempt  at  difprganiza.tio.n,  difunion  and 
anarchy.  The  marlignant  leaders  of  faction, 
who  for  their  own  advancement,  would 
pverfpread  America  with  difcord  and  (laugh- 
ter, or  deftroy  us  in  the  infidious,  embraces 
of  foreign  fraternization,  muft  prepare  to 
meet  the  indignation  of  the  people,  whom 
they  To  long  attempted,  to  deceive,  and  to 
feel  their  influence  annihilated  on  the  dif- 
covery  of  their  efforts  and  defigns. 

Relying,  with  perfect  confidence,  on  the 
wifdom  and  patriotifm  of  your  adrmniftra- 
tion,  on  the  increasing  firmnefs  of  the  legif- 
lature,  and  the  -ftrength  and  union  of  the 
people,  we  humbly  truft  that  the  hand  of 
Providence,  which  has  fupported  us  through 
greater  perils,  will  enable  us  to  withftand 
the  arts  or  attacks  of  the  foreign  or  internal 
enemies  of  pur  freedom. 

, 

In  us  you  will  ever  find,  not  the  fervile 
partizans  of  Britain,  France,  or  any  exter- 
?nal  domination,  but  men  glorying  in  the 
r.ightspf  American  independence^and  warm- 


134-          PATRIOTIC 
NEW-YORK. 


from  the  CITIZENS  of  N K w -  Y o R K ,  to  the 
PRESIDE  NT, SEN  ATE,  and  H  o  u  s  E  oJ"R  E  P  - 

RESENTATIVES   of  the  UNITED    STATES. 

A.  NUMBER  of  r.efpeaable  citizens  of 
this  place,  aflembled  together,  conlidering 
pur  prefent  fituation,  with  refpe£t  to  the  re- 
public of  France,  as  forming  an  iinportanj 
crifis  in  our  public  affairs  ;  and  feeling  the 
v  arm  eft  attachment  to  the  conftitution,  and 
an  unfhaken  confidence  in  the  .conftituted 
authorities -.of  onr  country,  conceived  that 
at  this  time,  to  evidence  that  attachment, 
and  that  confidence,  could  not  but  be  ufefu'l 
to  our  common  interefts,  and  acceptable  to 
thofe  who  direct  our  public  councils. 

They  therefore  appointed  a  committee  to 
convey  to  the  Executive  of  the  United 
States,  and  to  both  Houfes  of  Congrefs, 
their  approbation  of  the  meafures  purfued 
by  the  Executive,  in  the  late  negociation 
•with  France ;  to  allure  them  of  their  unaba- 
ted confidence  o.f  our  rulers  ;  and  of  their 
readinefs  and  zeal  to  forward  and  fupport 
every  meafure  which  fliall  be  direclcd  for 
the  inteieft,  and  the  honor  of  our  country. 

In  communicating  thefe  fentiments,  our 
minds  were  naturally  led  to  a  review  of  the 


ADDRESSES.          135 

.conduct  of  our  government  towards  the 
French  republic  ;  and  in  that  review,  it  is 
with  pleaiure  \ve  obferve  that  we  have  be- 
held it  on  every  occafion,  performing  with 
the  moll  perfect  integrity  and  good. faith, 
all  its  engagements  to  that  country  and  evin- 
cing its  regard  by  every  aft  of  friendfhip 
in  its  power,  confident  with  thofe  duties 
.which.it  owed  to  other  nations. 

rr*' While  on  the  other  hand,  the  conduct  of 
France  to  this  country'  has  been  a  feries  of 
infult3depredation  and  menace,  more  becom- 
ing conquerors  and  mailers  than  the  friends 
.and  alliesiof  a  free  and  independent  people. 

Under  different  pretences,  as  variable  as 
' they  have* beeii  futile,  /he  'has  .inched  our 
government,  in  the  perfon  of  our  chief  mag- 
iftrate;  fhe  has  attempted  to  fow  diflenfions 
among  our  citizens,  and  to  feparate  them 
from  their  government  ;  fhe  has  in  contra- 
vention of  the  faith  of  treaties,  no  lefs  than 
of  the  laws,  of  nations,  defpoiled  our  coun- 
trymen when>engaged  in  a  lawful  commerce; 
and  fhe  has  irnprifoned  their  perfons.  To 
our  mild  remonftrances  and  our  pacific 
overtures,  for  accommodation  of  differen*- 
ces  and  reftoration  of  former  friendfhip,  fhe 
'  has  anfwered  only  by  frefli  indignities.  Not 
content  with  humbling  our  country  by  the 
refufal  to  receive  an  ordinary  ambaflador, 
fent  to  explain  and  conciliate,  fhe  has  dif- 

*'•''    dairied 
**"  *«*****•- j  •,  -  . 


PATRIOTIC 
NEW-YORK. 


From  the  Cmz  i:  N  s  of  N  K  w  -  Y  o  u  K  ,  ^a  //z  e 

P  R  ES  I  D  E  N  T,  S  E  N  A  T  E,  and  H  O  U  S  E  0/R  £  P- 
R  E  S  E  N  T  AT  I  V  E  S   0/  Me   UNITED    S  T  A  T  E  S. 

A  NUMBER  of  refpeaable  citizens  of 
this  place,  affembled  together,  conlidering 
pur  prefent  fuuation,  with  refpe6t  10  the  re- 
public of  France,  as  forming  an  importanx 
crifis  in  our  public  affairs  ;  and  feeling  the 
mariner!  attachment  to  the  confiitution,  and 
an  unfliaken  confidence  in  the  .conftituted 
authorities  .of  o;ir  country,  conceived  that 
at  this  time,..  to  evidence  that  attachment, 
and  that  confidence,  could  not  but  be  ufefu'l 
to  our  common  interefts,  and  acceptable  to 
thofe  who  direct  our  public  councils. 

They  therefore  appointed  a  committee  to 
convey  to  the  Executive  of  the  United 
States,  and  to  both  Houfcs  of  Congrefs, 
their  approbation  of  the  mcafures  purfued 
by  the  Executive,  in  the  late  negociation 
•with  France  ;  to  affure  them  of  their  unaba- 
ted confidence  of  our  rulers  ;  and  of  their 
readincfs  and  zeal  to  forward  and  fupport 
every  itieafure  which  fhall  be  dire8ed  for 
the  intereft,  and  the  honor  of  our  country. 

In  communicating  thefe  fentiments,  our 
minds  were  naturally  led  to  a  review  of  the 


ADDRESSES.          135 

eonduft  of  our  government  towards  the 
French  republic  ;  and  in  that  review,  it  is 
with  pleaiure  we  obferve  that  we  have  be- 
held it,  on  every  occafion,  performing  with 
the  mo  ft  perfect  integrity  and  good. faith, 
all  its  engagements  to  that  country  and  evin- 
cing its  regard  by  every  aft  of  friendfhip 
in  its  power,  confident  with  thofe  duties 
which  it  owed  tp^ other  aations.  ,  Vrfifti 

k™  While  on  the  other  hand,  the  conduct  ctf 
France  to  this  country  has  been  a  feries  of 
infultjdepredation  and  menace,  more  becom- 
ing conquerors  and  matters  than  the  friends 
and  allies,  of  a  free  and  independent  people. 

Under  different  pretetices,  as  variable  as 
they  have'beeii  futile,  me  '  has  jnfalted  our 
government,  in  the  perfon  of  our  chief  mag- 
iftrate;  fhe  has  attempted  to  fow  diflenfions 
among  our  citizens,  and  to  feparate  them 
from  their  government  ;  fhe  has  in  contra- 
vention of  the  faith  of  treaties,  no  lefs  than 
of  the  laws,  of  nations,  defporled  our  coun- 
trymen when >engaged  in  a  lawful  commerce; 
and  flie  has  imprifoned  their  perfons.  To 
our  mild  remonftrances  and  our  pacific 
overtures,  for  accommodation  of  differen- 
ces and  reftoration  of  former  frienclfhip,  fhe 
iias  anfwered  only  by  frefh  indignities.  Not 
content  with  humbling  our  country  by  the 
refufal  to  receive  an  ordinary  ambaffador, 
Cent  to  explain  and  conciliate,  fhe  has  dif- 

dairied 


136          PATRIOTIC 

dained  even  to  treat,  in  the  ufual  forms, 
•with  the  extraordinary  minifters,  who  in  the 
perfevering  fpirit  of  peace  and  accommoda- 
tion were  afterwards  deputed  ;  as  if  anxious 
to  accumulate  difgrace  upon  us,  fhe  held 
out  to  them  the  moft  humiliating  terms  ; 
they  were  told  that  merely  to  entitle  them  to 
a  hearing,  their  country  mud  become  trib- 
utary ;  and  they  were  impliedly  menaced 
that  the  American  republic  would  be  erafed 
from  the  lid  of  nations,  if  the  refentment  of 
France  was  not  appeafed  !  !  ! 

Of  fuch  conduct  there  can  be  but  one 
opinion.  .  To  inch  terms,  freemen  can  give 
but  one  reply.  To  you,  fathers  of  our 
country,  it  belongs  to  give  that  reply  ;  and 
v/e  are  perfuaded  it  will  be  fuch  as  becomes 
Americans. 

For  ourfelves  and  thofe  whom  we  repre- 
fcnt,  to  our  virtuous  and  independent  chief 
tnagiilrate,  ,we  fay,*  that  while  the  wifd.om 
and  moderation  in  -which  he  has  conducted 
the  late  negotiation  with  France,  have  raifed 
him  in  our  efteem,  his  pa-trio  tifm  and  un- 
ihaken  firmnefs  have  rivetted  him  in"  our 
confidence. 

To  cnirTchow-citizens  in  the  Senate  and 
Houfe  of  "Representatives,  we  declare,  that 
confcious  of  the  rectitude  of  our  country's 
conduct,  and  deeply  impreffed  with  a  fenfe 
of  the  wrongs  fhe  has  fuftained,  we  arc  de- 
termined 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E'S. 

termined   to   fupport  at  all  hazards,  fuch 
meafures  as  fhall  be -deemed  neceflary  to/ 
.maintain  her  honor,  her  freedom  and  her 
independence. 

To  the  CITIZENS 

/.:•««. 

.  tj  GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  addrefs  to  the  Prefident,  Sen- 
•'ate*  and  Houfe  of  Reprefentatives  of  the  Uni- 
ted State-,  has  been  tranfrnitted  to  me,  by 
your  committee. 

Among  all  the  refolutions  that  have  been 
taken,  and  addreffes  which  have  been  pre- 
fentcd  at  this  important  crifis,  I  know  of 
'none  which  have  expreffed  fentime,nts  more 
juft,  approbation  and  confidence  more  en- 
tire, or  refolutions  more  patriotic  and  de- 
cided, and  confequently  none  which  will 
give  more  fatisfaftion  to  the  public  and  to 
the  JegiiTature,  or  which  has  more  cordially 
and;  defer vedly,  my  thanks, 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

1MO        ,:./,.*  •  J  I 

To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UN  i  TED  STATES. 


a  time  when  you  are  receiving  frdrn 
every  part  of  the  Union,  tellimonies  of  re- 
for  your  chara6krp  and  approbatio-n 
M  a  of 


PATRIOTIC 

of  your  meafures,  permit  the  Young  Men  of 
the  city  of  New-York,  to  join  the  general 
voice  of  their  countrymen,  and  exprefs  to 
you  the  gra  itude,  elteem  and  confidence 
\vith  which  your  condu.cl  has  infpired  them. 

We  have  not  the  vanity  to  fuppofe,  that 
the  fcpplaufe  of  inexperienced  youth,  can 
afford  any  high  gratification  to  your  mind, 
confcious  as  it  muft  be  of  its  own  integrity 
and  refources.  In  feafons  of  peace  and 
tranquillity? .we  mould  have  been  retrained 
by  that  diffidence  becoming  our  years,  from 
mingling  in  affairs  which  have  been  com- 
mitted to  abler  hands. — But  in  the  hour  of 
danger,  when  our  fh ores  are  threatened  with 
ravage  by  the 'republic  of  France,  and  our 
coriftituted  authorities  with  diffofudon  ; 
"when  our  political  rulers  are  treated  with 
indignity,  and  we  with  our  Fellow  citizens 
charged  with  difunion  and  difaffctlion  to 
our  government,  a  fenfe  of  truth  and  the 
feelings  which  our  wrongs  have  excited,  in- 
duce us  thus  publicly  to  declare  our  u'n- 
ihaken  attachment  to  £ur  country,  and  our 
determined  refolution  tofupport  thofe  mea~ 
fures  which  its  adminiftration  may  direft  or 
advife  for  its  fecurity. 

We  once  were  attached  to  France ;  it  was 
an  entiuifiafJw  in  favor  of  liberty.  If  that 
enthufialm  has  ever  drawn  from  us, in  com- 
inon  with  fome  of  our  countrymen,  de.mon- 

il  rations 


ADDRESSES.          139 

ftrations  of  attachment  upon  which  its  rulers 
have  founded  their  belief,  that  we  areun- 
friendly  to  our  government,  we  confider  it 
as  a  caufe  of  regret,  but  we  aflure  you,  tMr 
the  fame  enthufiafm  now  unites  us  more 
clofely  in  the  defence  of  our  country,  and 
infpires  us  with  a  (pint  of  refinance  againft 
the  efforts  of  that  republic  to  deftroy  our 
independence.  Holland  and  Venice  are  in- 
{tractive  leffon*  td  the.  United  States,  of  the 
infecurity  of  too  much  forbearance,  and  the 
danger  of  mifplaced  confidence  ;  but,  we 
need  not  appeal  to  the  example  of  other  na- 
tions. The  multiplied  and  unprovoked  ag- 
greflions  of  France,  and  her  injurious  and 
Itiiiiltjn^g  treatment  to  our  minifters  of  peace, 
are  fafricient  to  aroufe  all  the  energies  qf 
the  foul,  and  to  intereft  every  feeling  of  -the 
heart  in  the  caufe  of  our  country.  Regard- 
lefs  of  the  faith  of  treaties,  and  in  violation 
of  the  laws  of  nations,  her  rulers  authorife 
the  capture  of  tntr  veftels  and  the  imprifon- 
ment  of  our  citizens,  attempt  to  fo^w  difien- 
fion  among  our  countrymen,  and  to  fill  the 
meafure  of  their  injuiticc,  they  fpurn  the 
olive  branch  offered  by  our  government, 
and  refufe  to  liften  to  us,  unlefs  upon  terms 
to  which  freemen  difdain  to  iubmit  ;'thiis 
'injiired,  infuhed  and  threatened,  refehtment 
becomes  a  virtue,  and  refiilanc€  a  duty 
which  we  owe  to  ourfelves  and  topofterity  • 
to  us  our  liberty  and  independence,  OUT 

country 


.r  :&  cT;!rai:€Kirtl  € 

country  and  religion,  are  dearer  than  life-; 
when  our, political  rulers  declare  them  to  be 

nrnodangsr, -.every  citizen  \v ho  poffeffes  the 

:fehtiments  of  #  patriot  or  the  feelings  of  a 
man,  mutt  un he,, and  by,  feimely  and  fpirited 
exertions  propel  them  from  facrifiee.  We 
claim  it  as  our  right,  as  we  know  it  to  be 
our  duty  to  be  placed  ;foremofi  in  their  de- 
fence., and  if  war  only  can  preferve  them, 

-we  are  prepared  to   ii^eei  ii  with  becoming 

.reiblution.. 

'Confident  in  fuch  a  caufe  of  the  fupport 
of  our  parent^  and  friends,  the  confcrlations 
of  confcience  and  the  approbation  of  God, 
-we  pledge  ouifelves  to  you  and  to  the  world, 
that  if  ourcountry'ihcvuid  be  affailed  by  for- 
•eign  invafioh  or  dbmefHc  treafon,  we  will 
fly  to  its  afritlante  at  a  moment's  warning, 
and  at  the  hazard  of  our  lives,  protect  it^ 

government  and  independence. 

-    •     .    • 


To  the  Yo  u  -N  G  M  E  N    of  the  City  of  N  E  w- 
YORK. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  RECEIVED  this  becoming,  amia- 
bly and  judicious  addrefs,  from  the  Young 
Men  of  the  city  of  New-York,  with  great 
p'cafure. 

The  fituation  in  which  nature  has  placed 
your  State,  its  numerous  advantages,  and  its 

population 


ADDRESSES.          141 

population  fo  rapidly  increafing,  render  it 
of  great  importance  to  the  Union  of  the  na- 
tion, that  its  youth  fhould  be  pofTeffed  of 
good  principles  and  faithful  difpofitions. 
The  fpecimen  you  have  given  in  this  ad- 
drefs,  could  not  be  more  fads  factory. 

I  affure  you,  my  young  friends,  that  the 
fatisfaclion  with  my  conducl,  which  Has  been 
expreffed  by  the  nfing  generation^  has  been 
one  of  theliiigheft  gratifications  I  ever  re- 
ceived ;  became  if  I  have  not  been  deceiv- 
ed in  my  own  motives,  I  can  fincerely  lay, 
that  their  happihefs  and  that  of  their  pofteri- 
ty,  more  than^m^  own,  or  that  of  my  con- 
temporaries, ^as1  been  the  object  of  the 
"fludies  and  labors  of  my  life. 

Your  attachment  to  France,  was  in  com- 
mon with  Americans  in  general — the  enthu- 
fiafm  for  liberty  \v;hich  contributed  to  excite 
it,  was  in  fyinpathy  with  great  part  of  the 
•people  of  Europe.  The  caufes  which  prq- 
duced  that  great  event  were  fo  extenfivp 
through  the  European  world,  and  fo,  long 
efta.blifhed,  that  it  muft  appear  a  vaft  fcherrie 
of.  Proyidencje,  progreffiug  to  its  end,  incqrn- 
prehen(ibjfi^;the  ^vi'ew*,  defigns,  hopes  anjd 
fears  oT  individuals^  pr>  nations,  kings  qr 
princes,  philofophers or  ft.atefmen.  Ij:  would 
be  weak  to  afcribe .  the  glur.y.QTit,  or, im,put.e 
the.felajne  t.p  any  individual  or  any  nation,; 
it  would  be  equally  afe(urd  for  any  jndi^- 

ix  ^n  u 


142          PATRIOTIC 

ual  or  nation  to  pretend  to  wifdom  or  pow-* 
er,  equal  to  the  mighty  tafk  of  arrefting  its 
progrefs  .or  diverting,  its  courfe.  May  the 
human  race  in  general,  and  the  French  na- 
tion in  particular,  derive  ultimately  from  it 
an  amelioration  of  their  condition,  in  the 
extenfion  of  liberty,  civil  and  religious,  in 
increalcd  virtue,  wifdom  and  humanity. 
For  myfelf,  ho'wever,  I  confefs,  I  fee  not 
how,  nor  when,  nor  where.  In  the  mean 
time,  thefe  incomprehenfible  fpeculations 
ought  not  to  influence  our  conducl  in  any 
degree.  It  is  our  duty  to  judge  by  the 
ftandard  of  truth,  integrity  and  confcience, 
of  what  is  risht  and  wrong,  to  contend  for 

O.  O  f '  ft 

our  own  rights,  and  to  fight  lor  our  own  al- 
tars and  firefides,  as  much  as  at  any  former 
period  of  our  lives.  In  your  own  beautiful 
and  pathetic  language,  the  fame  enthufiafm 
ought  now  to  unite  us  more  clofely,  in  the 
defence  of  our  country,  and  infpire  us  with 
a:fpirit  of  reMance  ag-aiaft  the  efforts  of 
that  republic  to  deflroy  our  independence. 
If  my  enthufiafm  is  not  more  extravagant 
than  yours  has  ever  been,  our  independence 
will  be  one  effential  inftrument  for  reclairfr- 
ing  the  fermented  world,  and  bringing  good 
-out  of  the  mafs  of  evik 

The  refpe6l  you  acknowledge  to  your  pa- 
rents, is  one  of  the  bed  of  fymptoms.     The 
ties  of  father,  fon  and  brother,  the  facred 
bands  of  m a rrrage, 'without  which  thofe  con- 
nexions 


ADDRESSES.          143 

.  •  v 

nexions  would  be  no  longer  dear  and  ven- 
erable, call  on  you  and  ail  our  youth  to 
beware  of  contaminating  your  country  with 
the  foul  abominations  of  the  French  revo- 

lution'  JOHN  ADAMS. 

• 


To  JOHN 'ADAMS,   PRESIDENT  of  the 

UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

W:  . 
E,  the  citizens  of  Albany,  having  a 
lively  fenfe  of  the  danger  with  which  our 
country  is  threatened  by<  a  foreign  nation, 
beg  leave  to  communicate  to  you  our  entire 
approbation  of  your  conduct  at  this  critical 
period,  and  to  aflure  you  of  our  iincere  dif- 
pofuion  to  fupport,  with  zeal  and  firmnefs, 
whatever  meafures  the  government  of  the 
United  States  deem  necefTary  to  vindicate 
and  maintain  our  national  honor  and  inde- 
pendence. 

The  moderation  which  this  country  has 
uniformly  manifefted  towards  the  French 
orepublic,  notwithftanding  its  repeated  and 
unprovoked  aggreflions  on  our  neutral  and 
Sovereign  rights,  is  an  inconteftible  proof 
of  our  ardent  iblicitude  to  cultivate  peace. 
But  there  is  a  point  beyond  which  even  the 
•bleffwYgs.  of  peace  cannot  be  fought  without 
•feryility — That  point  has  been  recently  fixed 
:betwee;i  Fran.ce  and  America,  by  the  info- 
lent 


.144          PATRIOTIC 

lent  demands  made  upon  us  ;  demands  which 
we  cannot  fubmit  to,  without  proflrating 
-our  independence,  and  facrificing  our  bell 
interefts. 

The  prefumptuous  hope,  announced  by 
the  agents  of  the  republic  to  our  envoys 
extraordinary,  that  the  American  people  are 
divided  from  their  government,  indicates 
that  a  perfidious  attachment  to  the  caufe  of 
France,  lurks  among  us.  Tne  fallacy  of 
this  hope,  .it  is  equally  our  duty  and  our  in- 
tereft  to  expofe.  We  therefore  folemnly 
pledge  ourfelves,  in  the  mofl  unequivocal 
manner,  to  fuftain,  with  energy,  the  confti- 
tuted  authorities  of  our  country,  againft  all 
the  machinations  of  .its  enemies,  whether 
foreign  or  domeftic. 

Accept,  Sir,  of  our  beft  wifhes  that  a  gra- 
cious Providence  may  long  preferve  your 
precious  Life,  and  continue  to  di  reel;  your 
.adminiftration,  and  that  when  the  meafure 
of  your  days  {hall  be  filled,  you  may  receive 
;thc  glorious  reward  that  is  due  to  eminent 
virtue  and  patriotifm. 


To  the  CITIZENS  of  A  LEAK  Y  ,  in  the  State 

of  NEW-YORK. 
GENTLEMEN, 

THE  addrefs  of  the  citizens  of  A4ba-ny, 
has  been  p  re  fen  ted  to  me  by  their  reprefent- 
ative  in  -Congrcfs,  Mr.  Glen. 

I  could 


ADDRESSES.          145 

I  could  not  look  over  the  long  roll  of 
rci'pe&able  fubfcribers,  without  the  fenti- 
ments  of  gratitude,  efteem  and  refpecl. 

The  lively  fenfe  of  the  danger,  you  ex- 
prefs,  with  which  our  country  is  threatened 
by  a  foreign  nation,  is  as  well  founded,  as 
your  approbation  of  my  conduct  at  this  crit- 
ical period,  and  your  fincere  difpofition  to 
fupport,  with  zeal  and  firmnefs,  whatever 
rneafures  the  government  of  the  United 
States  fliall  deem  neceffary,  to  vindicate 
and  maintain  our  national  honor  and  inde- 
pendence, are  agreeable  to  me3  and  fatisfac- 
tory  to  the  public. 

The  moderation  of  this  country  towards 
the  French  republic,  is  almoft  without  ex- 
ample ;  it  would  not,  certainly,  have  been 
fo  long  continued,  towards  any  other  nation 
in  the  world — it  is.  not  only  a  proof  of  our 
defire  of  peace,  but  of  our  particular  at- 
tachment to  France. 

There  is  indeed  a  point,  beyond  which, 
a  love  of  peace,  and  friendfhip  to  France, 
cannot  be  indulged  without  fervility. 

Although  the  French  government  appears 
to  have  adopted  againft  us  the  mod  perfeft 
fyftem  of  hoftility  in  their  power,  it  is  n6t 
f*or  me  to  fay  how  long  we  mail  fhackle  our- 
felves,  by  referves  of  friendship  to  them. 

That  a  perfidious  attachment  to  France, 

lurks  among.us,  is  mod  certain.     We  may, 

N  however, 


146  PATRIOTIC 

however,  confole  ourfelvesat  this  time,  that 
it  contaminates  very  few  native  Americans, 
and  I  mould  hope  not  many  naturalized 
Grangers.  Pledges  like  yours, \vill  foon  re- 
rduce  the  number  of  both. 

Your  kind  \vifhes,  that  a  gracious  Provi- 
dence may  preferve  my  life,  and  diretl  my 
adminiflration,  are  too  afFefting  to  be  an- 
f  we  red  by  me,  but  by  prayers  Vor  the  citi- 
zens of  Albany  and  their  pofterity  forever. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

To  the  PRESIDENT  cj-  the  UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

WE,  the  citizens  of  Hudfon  and  its  vicin- 
ity, in  the  county  of  Columbia,  and  State  of 
New- York,  confidering  the  prefent  ftate  and 
'afpeft  of  public  affairs,  and  feeling  in  com- 
mon with  our  fellow-citizens  the  wounds 
-inflicted  upon  our  country  by  the  wanton 
and  multiplied  aggreffions  of  the  French  re- 
public, which,  .fpurning  all  overtures  for 
.conciliation,  has  treated  with  marked  indif- 
ference and  contempt  repeated  meflengers 
of  peace — added  infult  to  injury,  and  is  dai- 
ly extending  her  acls  of  violence  and  out- 
rage—her agents  infolently  hoafting  of  the 
power  and  effect  of  her  diplomatic  fkill — of 
the  party  it  has  created  within  the  United 

States— 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          147 

States — exciting  oppofition  and  dividing  the 
people  from  their  government  ;  while  on 
ordinary  and  lefs  alarming  occafions,  we 
confider  this  mode  of  manifefting  our  opirt- 
ions  to  our  conftituted  authorities  fuperflu- 
ous,  if  -  not  improper,  we  cannot  at  fhis  in- 
terefting  moment  remain  fiient- 

R'efpecT  to  the  opinion  of  nrfankind,  juf- 
tice  to  ourfelves  and  fellow-citizens,  and 
truth  itfelf  impel  us  to  declare  that  we  are 
not  divided  from  the  government  of  our 
choice — that  we  pride  ourfelves  in  cherifh- 
ing  and  fupporting  it  as  the  fabric  of  our 
own  hands,  peculiarly  made  for  ourfelves, 
adapted  to  our  fituation,  deliberately  put 
together  by  the  united  wifdom  and  experi- 
ence of  men,  who,  unawed  by  defpotic  pow- 
er, always  knew  what  it  was  to  be  free- 
That  we  are  determined  to  preferve  it  entire, 
and  to  tranfmit  it  to  pofterity  untarnifhed 
and  unimpaired  ;  that  whilft  we  perfectly 
accord  'with  the  meafures  adopted  and  pur- 
fued  by  the  Executive  of  the  United  States  to 
effect  conciliation  and  preferve  peace  with 
the  French  republic,  we  feel  perfuaded  that 
nothing  confident  with  the  national  honor 
and  intereft  of  our  country  has  been  omitted 
to  accomplifli  the  defired  object.  As  much 
therefore  as  we  deprecate  the  evils  of  war, 
and  value  the  bleffings  of  peace,  we  cannot 
hefitate  a  moment  to  forget  thofe  evils  when 
impelled  by  duty  and  neceffity,  to  affert  and 

preferve 


148  PATRIOTIC 

preferve  our  fovereign  rights  and  independ- 
ence. With  entire  confidence  in  the  long 
iried  wifdom,  firmnefs  and  patriot! fm  of  if.e 
Prefident  of  the  United  States,  and  in  the 
councils  of  the  nation,  we  feel  cheerfully 
difpofed  with  fpirit  and  fortitude  to  meet  any 
event  which  the  prefent  (late  of  things  may 
produce, or  the  deftinyof  our  country  incur. 


To  the  CITIZENS  of  HUDSON  and  its  vicin- 
ity, in  the  County  r/CoLUMBiA,  and  State 
cf  NEW-YORK. 

GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  declaration  has  been  preferred 
to  me  by  your  Reprefentative  in  Congrefs. 

The  prefent  afpe6l  of  public  affairs  is  in- 
deed portentous,  and  the  wounds  infiicled 
on  our  country,  by  the  wanton  and  multi- 
plied aggreffions  of,  the  French  republic, 
mufi  be  felt  by  every  American  citizen  who 
is  faithful  and  true — In  full  has  been  added 
to  injury  until  the  rneafure  is  full. 

The  reign  of  terror  and  fedu&icm,  which 
began  at  Paris, has  been  extended  in  Europe 
as  far  as  the  Grand  Monarch  extended  it  .and 
is  now  attempted  on  this  fide  the  Atlantic  ; 
but  we  fhould  remember  that  Italy  and  the 
Netherlands  have  often  been  conquered  by 
France,  and  that  me  has  as  often  been  driv- 
en from  her  conquefts  with  ignominy. 

Your 


ADDRESSES.          149 

Your  attachment  to  the  conftitution,  ap- 
probation of  the  adminiftration,  and  confi- 
dence in  the  councils  of  the  nation,  are  very 
fatisfaclory. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  JOHN   ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the 

UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

WE,  the  Grand  Jurors  for  the  body  of 
the  county  of  Columbia,  in-  the  State  of 
New-York,  beg  leave  to  addrefs  you  upon 
the  prefent  eventful  period  in  our  national 
affairs. 

The  late  communications' made  by  you  to 
the  legiflature  of  the  union,  exhibit  a  crifis 
in  our  relations  to  the  French  republic, 
-which,  as  it  -menaces  our  independence, 
awakens  our  zeal,  and  draws  clofer  our  af- 
feclions  to  the  government  by  which  alone 
our  independence  can  be  fecurcd.  We  fee, 
with  indignadoi>5the  infimuations  of  a  foreign 
power,  that  there  are  citizens  of  the  United 
States  fo  rega reliefs  of  that  diftingui filing 
and  impreffive  title,  and  fo  loft  to  a  ienfe  of 
duty,  as  to  be  capable  of  being  made  the 
difgraceful  inftrumems  of  counteracting  the 
ineafures  of  their  own  free  government, 
and  of  proft rating  it  at  the  feet  of  foreign 
domination;  and  though  we  truft  that  every 
N  2  hope 


i5o          PATRIOTIC 

hope  derived  from  this  fource  will  prove 
delufive,  yet  we  are  conftrained  to  feparate 
ourfelves  from  thofe  unworthy  individuals 
and  abandoned  parricides,  if  any  fuch  there 
be,  who  may  have  encouraged  it.  If  the 
good  wifhes  heretofore  exprefTed  by  our 
citizens  for  the  liberty  and  profperity  of 
France,  fincere  and  ardent  as  they  were, 
fhould  have  led  to  the  fuppofition  that  their 
affections  might  be  alienated  from  their  own 
free,  legitimate  government ;  or  that  they 
would  abet  or  fanclion  fchemes  of  aggran- 
dizement in  one  nation  at  the  expenfe  of 
the  fovereignty  of  others,  we  feel  a  full  con- 
fidence that  the  idea  will  be  repelled  with 
indignation,  and  that  it  will  be  evinced  that 
an  adherence  to  principles  conftitutes  Ame- 
rican charatteri  and  that  in  our  attachment 
to  liberty,  we  know  how  to  diftinguiih  be- 
tween the  femblance  and  the  reality,  the 
empty  profeffion  and  the  folid  enjoyment  of 
that  bleffing.  In  contemplating  our  gov- 
ernment as  a  free  reprefentative  republic, 
we  recognize  in  its  very  ftrufture  folid 
grounds  of  liberal  confidence,  and  it  is  with 
equal  pride  and  pleafure,  that  we  hear  our 
teftimony  to- its  excellence,  and  to  the  com- 
prehenfive  views  of  thofe  enlightened  ftatef- 
men  who  framed  it,  by  declaring  that  it  has 
in  practice  juftified  the  theory,  thereby  dif- 
playing  a  fplendid  example  honorable  to 
human  nature  and  inftru&ive  to  mankind, 

freedom 


ADDRESSES.          151 

freedom  and  order,  liberty  and  law,  can,  by 
a  wife  policy,  be  made  to  exifl  together. 

In  the  conduct  of  our  government  toward 
the  republic,  we  have  obierved  a  dignified 
forbearance,  which  may  have  been  rni {inter- 
preted by  them  into  pufrllanimity,  but  which 
affording  the  fliield  of  eonfcious  integrity, 
we  confider  as  the  fure  prefage  of  energy 
and  fortitude  in  the  hour  of  difficulty — 
When  that  hour  fhall  arrive,  we  truft  that 
the  government  of  our  country,  as  it  has  de- 
rived its  origin  from,  fo  it  will  receive  the 
efficacious  fupport  of,  the  people  ;  and  on 
our  part,  as  we  vakie  the  bleflings  of  focial 
order  and  the  rights  of  felf-government,  dif- 
daining  all  attempts  to  reconcile  an  attach- 
ment to  the  conflitution,  with  a  fyftematic 
oppofition  to  thofe  who  are  chofen  to  ad- 
minifier  it,  we  pledge  ourfelves,  explicitly 
and  unequivocally,  to  afford  that  fupport  to 
the  legiflative  and  executive  authorities  of 
our  country,  in  all  thofe  meafures  which  by 
them  fhall  be  deemed  neceffary  to  defend 
and  maintain  its  honor,  dignity  and  inde- 
pendence. 


To  the  GRAND  JURORS  of  the  body  of  the 
County    of  COLUMBIA,   in   the   State   of 
NEW-YORK. 
GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  this  well-written 
and  excellent  addrefs.    The  addreffes  which 

I  daily 


i.5«          PATRIOTIC 

I  daily  receive  from  my  fellow-citizens,  in 
greater  numbers  than  I  can  poilibly  anfwer, 
is  the  caufe  of  the  long  delay  of  this. 

Your  indignation  and  alarm  are  well 
founded.  If  there  are  citizens  capable  of 
being  made  the  difgraceful  inftruments  of 
counteracting  the  meafures  of  their  own  free 
government,  and  of  proftrating  it  at  the  feet 
of  foreign  domination,  all  is  loft. 

The  moft  infallible  criterion  to  diflinguifh 
thofe  republics  which  can  be  fupported  and 
preferved  from  thofe  which  cannot,  is  the 
unanimity  with  which  they  reject  foreign 
influence  and  refill. foreign  hoftility. 

In  contemplating,  our  government  as  ,a 
free  reprefentative  republic,  we  mould  al- 
ways recollect,  that  reprefentative  govern- 
ment is  elective  government,  and  although 
the  philofophers  of  our  age  (confcious  that 
elective  governments  had  from  experience 
acquired  a  bad.  name  in  Europe)  have  been 
careful  to  give  them  a  new  one,  yet  we  mall 
not,  Itruft,be  deceived  by  the  change  of  a 
name.  We  know  that  our  government, 
whether  we  call  it  eleQive  or  representative* 
depends  for  its  exiftence  on  the  purity  of 
our  elections, unbiaffed  by  foreign  influence 
and  untainted  by  corruption. 

Our  government  has  indeed  difplayed  an 
example  honorable  to  human  nature,  be- 
caufe  our  elections  have  been  pure — but  the 

corruption 


ADDRESSES.          153 

corruption  of  the  heft  things  is  the  worft. 
If  our  ele&ions  become  corrupt,  they  will 
exhibit  a  horrid  example  difgraceful  to  hu- 
man nature. 

JOHN  ADAMS, 


From  the  INHABITANTS   of  tht  County  of 
-OTSEGO,  in  the  State  of  NEW-YORK,  to 
JOHN    ADAMS,    PRESIDENT   of  th* 
UNITED  STATES. 

SIR, 

ATTACHED  by  every  tie  that  can  bind 
us  to  the  molt  ardent  love^pf  our  country, 
we  cannot  refrain  from  expreffing  the  great 
folicitude  we  feel  on  the  fubjeclof  the  pref- 
ent  eventful  period  of  our  national  affairs. 
Confcious  of  the  honefty  and  juftice  of  our 
government  toward  every  nation  in  the 
world  with  which  it  hath  had  any  relations, 
\ve  confidently  flattered  ourfelves  with  the 
expectation  that  we  fhould  have  preferved 
our  neutrality,  and  the  enjoyment  of  peace 
throughout  the  fanguinary  war  which  hath 
fo  long  and  doth  (till  continue  to  fpread 
havoc  and  defolation  through  feveral  parts^ 
of  Europe.  The  rapacity  and  aggreflions 
however  of  one  of  the  belligerent  nations, 
do  now  very  ferioufly  threaten  to  difturb 
that  tranquillity,  which  the  virtue  and  .the 
wifdom  of  our  rulers  have  endeavored  moll 

earneftly 


154          PATRIOTIC 

carrteftly  to  preferve.  We  rely  with  great 
confidence  on  the  good  fenfe,  fortitude  and 
-integrity  of  our  fellow-citizens  throughout 
the  union,  to  repel  every  attack,  both  for- 
eign and  domefiic,  to  which  we  may  be  ex- 
.  pofed,  and  we  do  moft  folemnly  pledge 
ourfelves  to  fupport  with  cheerful  nets  and 
with  promptitude,  fuch  mea fares  for  the 
preiervation  of  the  independence  and  fov- 
:ereignty  of  our  country  as  Corigrefs  and 
our  rulers  may  in  their  wifdom  deem  ex- 
pedient. The  prtident  but  energetic  regu- 
lations which  you  have  adopted  andpurfued 
with  regard  to  the  unfuccefsful  negociation 
with  the  republic  of  France,  have  been,  we 
conceive,  fl  nelly  confident  with  the  honor 
and  dignity  of  a  great  nation,  and  demon- 
ftrate  in  the  ft rongeft  terms  your  unceafi.ng. 
regard  for  our  common  intereft  ;  and  merit 
a  continuation  of  our  unfeigned  and  grate- 
ful acknowledgments.  We  rejoice  in  the 
profpecl  of  unanimity  on  the  preient  import- 
ant occafion — One  fentiment  appears  to 
pervade  our  land;  to  devote  our  lives  and 
fortunes  to  the  maintenance  of  our  rights, 
as  a  free  people.  Under  thefe  impreflions, 
we  whole  lots  are  cafl  on  the  frontiers  of 
our  country,  beg  leave  to  exprefs  our  fenti- 
ments  on  the  occafion — our  purfuit  being 
agriculture,  we  have  no  words  that  we  ex- 
peel  will  be  more  grateful  to  the  government 
•we  love,  and  will  not  part  with,  but  with  our 

lives. 


ADDRESSES. 

lives,  than  thofe  of  our  fincere  afTurancc, 
that  we  will  fubmit  with  cheerfulnefs  to  any 
equal  tax  the  \vifdom  of"  our  government 
may  lay  on  us  for  the  national  fupport;  and 
that  we  will  march  with  alacrity  to  any  part 
pf  the  Union  to  repel  an  intruder. 

«••  «••  «"j7V"-<'  '..'      >-»<5* ••» M» ••» 

T-g  the  INHABITANTS  of.  the  •  County  of-  O  T- 
SEGO,  in  the  State  of  NEW-YORK. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  your  addrefs,pre- 
fented  to  me  by  your  repreientative  in  Cong- 
,refs,  Mr.  Cochran. 

The    folicitude   you   feel  in  the  piefent 

^ventful  period   of  our  national  affairs,  is 

common  to  the  government  and  people,  to 

all  who  are  attached  to  their  country  by  an 

ardent  love  of  it. 

Your  reliance  on  the  good  fenfe,  forti- 
tude and  integrity  of  your  fellow-citizens,  I 
trull  will  not  deceive  you  ;  all  depends  up- 
on thefe  virtues.  If  thefe  fail  us,  we  are 
.loft,  our  conftiturion  and  adminiftration  all 
depend  upon  them.  Our  government  with- 
out thefe  aids,  has  no  power  at  home  or 
abroad  :  We  have  no  other  principle  of 
union,  or  capacity  of  defence. 

Your    unfeigned  acknowledgments    are 
very  obliging  to  me,  and  the  clear  afTuran- 

ces 


156          PATRIOTIC 

res  of  fupport  to  the  meafures  of  govern- 
ment.are  very  encouraging  to  us  all.  Your 
lot  on  the  frontiers,  and  your  purfuits  of 
agriculture,  give  a  weight  to  your  fenti- 
ments ;  you  may  be  fuppofed  to  he  lefs 
heated  by  paffion.iefs  affetted  by  prejudices, 
and  lefs  influenced  by  partial  or  local  inter- 
efts  than  the  inhabitants  of  great  cities. 

There  can  be  no  frronger  proof  of  patri- 
otiun,  than  a  cheerful  fubmiffion  to  any  tax 
which  the  wifdora  of  government  may  im- 
pofe,  or  than  a  proraife  to  march  with  alac- 
rity, to  any  part  of  the  Union  to  repel  an 
intruder. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


From  the  INHABITANTS  of  the  County  of 
ON  Ei  DA,  in  the  State  cj  NEW-  YORK,  to 
the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATES. 

SIR, 


any  other  period  in  the  political  an- 
nal*  of  our  country,  we  might  have  remain- 
ed filent,  repofing  ourfelves  with  confidence 
in  the  adminiflration  of  the  government  of 
our  own  choice,  and  evincing  a  tranquil  but 
refpe&ful  approbation  of  the  meafures  of 
that  government.  But,  Sir,  when  the  wide- 
fpread  imputation,  of  an  alienation  x>f  the 
American  people  from  their  government,  is 

propagated 


ADDRESSES.          157 

propagated  and  accredited  abroad  ;  -when 
a  foreign  nation,  which  has  by  her  agents 
denounced  our  independence,  chcrifhcs  the 
{lander,  and  counts  upon  our  di viftons  as  the 
'means  of  national  degradation  and  abafe- 
ment.  we  have  deemed  it  our  indiipenfable 
duty  to  aflure  the  Executive  of  ourgovern- 
ment,  and  proclaim  to  the  world,  that  that 
alienation  and  thofc  divijions  have  no  place 
in  this  part  of  the  Union.  In  recurring  to 
the  part,  we  have  fought  with  anxious  minds 
for  j  ufi  grounds  of  offence  in  the  condu& 
-of  our  government  towards  the  French  re- 
public -y  but  in  this  review,  thofe  grounds 
have  been  fought  for  in  vain. 

From  the  (irft  dawn  of  the  eventful  rev- 
olution in  France  to  this  day,  we  have  wit- 
nefled  in  the  conduft  of  the  American  gov- 
ernment, to  the  French  nation,  on  the  mofl. 
-trying  occafions,  amidft  rude  external  af- 
faults,  and  the  more  dangerous  undermining 
influence  within,  a-n  unceafing  regard  to 
juftice  ;  an  inflexible  adherence  to  the  ftip- 
ulations  of  fubfifting  treaties,  and  a  facred 
refpeft  for  the  great  land  marks  of  moral 
duty  ami  rectitude  :  a  conduft  which  we  are 
proud,  as  independent  Americans,  to  have 
prcfcrved  in  the  annals  of  our  country  for 
example  to  future  times. 

Happy  would  ii  have  been  for  America. 

and  doubly  fo  for  diftreffed  Europe,  if  cot- 

O  refponding 


158          PATRIOTIC 

-refponding  femrments  of  jufticc  and  virtue 
had  animated  the  breaiis  of  the  rulers  of 
Prance,  and  influenced  the-  councils  of  that 
nation  1  Bin  what  a  reverie  !  \vhat.a  dere- 
liclion  :oi  public  virtue  !  'what  a  triumph  of 
force  over  juttice  !  of  defpoiifm  over  laws ! 
What  fcenes  of  depravity  and  corruption 
are  difclofed  to  aftonifhed  America  ! 

In  vain  we  look  for  a  difplay  of  thofc 
tranfccndent  virtues  of  which  the  world  has 
^vimcfTed  in  the  rulers  of  France,  fo  ample 
-and  repeated  profeffions.  The  caufe  of  re- 
publican government  is  difgfacecl  in  Europe 
forever;  the  fond  expectations  of  the  fin- 
cere  advocates  of  reform  on  the  other  fide 
.of  the  Atlantic,  are  dafhed  to  the  groupd  ; 
and  the  friends  to  the  rights  of  man  are  COD- 
drained  to  weep  for  fuffering  humanity. 

While  we  view  with  much  concern,  the 
prefent  alarming  crifis,  we  cannot  believe 
the  period  has  arrived,  when  Americans  are 
to  defpair  of  their  republic,  and  pafs  under 
a  foreign  yoke. 

There  is  not  to  be  found  one  community 
of  freemen  on  eartru  which  is  unfubdued 
by  the  artifices,  and  unfuhjugated  by  the 
arms  of  the  all -conquer  ing  rcpublip. 

With  the  fulleft  confidence  in  our  govern- 
ment, we  do  not  hefitate  to  declare,  that 
we  are  prepared  for  any  facrifice,  that  the 
Sovereignty  and  independence  of  our  coun- 
try 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  SI          159 

try  may  demand  ;  and  if  war  mud  be  the  ne- 
ceflary  refbrt,  the  independent  yeomanry  of 
this  country,  with  armsiin  their  hands,  and 
xeal  iiv  their  hearts,  will  rally  round  their 
government,  and  appealing  to  the  great  Dif- 
penfer  of  juftice  and  Arbiter  of  nations  for 
the  re&itude  of  their  conduct,  will  cheerfully 
difchaf  ffe'lhe  laft  and  great  duty  of  freemen". 

0  'oil  ii   v  A.  J 

«•  •«••«• «>.-<=r===>~<!>  ••»  ••"•• 

To  the  IfcHA'Bi'TA'KTs  of  the  County  O/ONE- 
IDA,  in  the  State  of  NEW-YoRk. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  your  addrefs  which 
lias  Been  prefented  to  me  by  your  rep  re  fen  t- 
ative  in  Congrcfs,  Mr.  Gochran. 

The  teftimony  you  bear  to  the  juftice, 
good  faith  and  moral  re&itude  of  your  gov- 
ernment, and  your  fatisfa&ion  to  have  its 
condu.61  preferved  in  the  annals  of  our 
country,  for  ar>  example  to  future  times,  are 
Very  full  and'  honorable. 

The  caufe  of  a  certain  fpecies  of  republi- 
can government,  is  difgraced  in  Europe  for- 
ever /  yet  there  are  other  kinds  better  digefl- 
ed,.and  more  adapted  to  the  nature  of  man, 
which  we  may  Hill  hope  to  fee  introduced. 

tii  i'When  the  neceffity  of  controlling  the  paf- 
fions  of  whole  nations,  as  well  as  parties  and 
,ns,  by  the  organization  and-  arrange- 
ment of  government,  fhall  be  better  under- 
,'.-ai  flood, 


t6o          P  A  T  R  1  O  T  I  C 

Rood,  the  advocates  for  reform  may  flill  f/e 
gratified,  and  the  friend  of  the  rights  of  man 
itill  rejoice  in  the  progrefs  of  humanity. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


e  OFFICERS  of  the  BRIGADE  of  the 
City  and  County  q/Nz  w-YoRK  and  Coun- 
ty ofR  i  c  H  MON  D,  to  His  Excellency  JOHN 
.  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED 
STATES. 

SIR, 

.AMIDST  the  numerous  teftimonrals  of 
perfonal  refpeft,  and  of  attachment  to  the 
government,  which  you  are  daily  receiving 
from  every  part  of  th^  Union,  we  prefufned 
that  an  expreffion  of  iimilar  fentiments  from 
the  officers  of  this  brigade,  would  not  be 
unacceptable  to  you. 

Attached  to  our  country  by  every  tie  of 
nature  and  affe&ion,  and  to  our  constitution 
and  government  —  from  the  founded  diclates 
of  our  judgment  and  underftanding,  we  have 
ever  Confidered  the  happinels  and  profperity 
of  the  former,  as  in  feparably  connedcd  with 
the  honor  and  independence  of  the  latter. 
While,  therefore,  we  have,  with  pleafure, 
beheld  our  government  during  the  late  war 
which  has  convulfed  and  defolated  the  Eu- 
ropean world,  purfuing  with  uprightnefs  and 

integrity 


A  D  D  R  E-S  S  E  S.          161 

integrity  that  fyftem  of  neutrality,  which 
could  alone  fecure  to  us  the  bleffings  of 
peace,  it  was  with  the  higheft  indignation  we 
observed  the  republic  of  France,  under  va- 
rious pretences,  obflrucling  that  peaceful 
iyftem,  refufing  us  our  neutral  rights,  affail- 
ing  our  very  independence  as  a  nation — 
Confiding  in  your  well  knowrn  patriotiim 
and  abilities,  we  trufted  that  fuch  meafures 
•would  be  purfued  as  would  reftore  to  our 
country  its  violated  rights,  or  leave  its  ene- 
mies without  an  excufe  ,  nor  has  tins  hope 
been  difappointed.  The  inftruftions  to  our 
envoys  at  that  republic,  have  fhewn  to  us, 
and  will  evince  to  the  world,  that  to  pre- 
ferve  the  peace,  and  to  reftore  the  friendfhip 
that, once  fubfifted  between  the  two  repub- 
lics, every  thing  on  the  pait  of  our  govern- 
ment has  been  attempted,  confident  with 
thofe  facred  duties  which  we  owe  to  our 


this  conviction,  we  have  thought  it  our  duty 
at  this  eventful  moment,  when  the  independ- 
ence of  our  country  has  been  menaced,  thus 
to  declare,  that  while  in  common  with  tire 
reft  of  our  fellow-citizens,  we  confider 
peace  as  a  blefJing  highly  to  be  prized,  and 
fludibufjy  to  be  cultivated,  yet,  educated  in 
the  principles  of  our  late  glorious  revolu- 
tion, we  are  convinced  that  war,  with  a!1  its 
O  2  attendant 


PAT  R  I  O  T  I  £ 

attendant  diltreffes,  is  far  preferable  to  a 
furrender  of  our  national  freedom  and  inde- 
pendence ;  and  that  we  are  therefore  prepar- 
ed, andwz//  at  all  hazards,  fupport  the  gov- 
ernment of  our  country  in  fuch  meafures  as 
they  fhali  direct,  for  the  defence  of  our  hoii- 
oj>  our  freedom,  and  our  independence. 


To  the  OFFICERS  of  the  BRIGADE  of  ike 
City  and  County  o/  NEW-  YORK  and  Coun- 
ty  of  RICHMON  D.  Vint 

GENTLEMEN, 

NO  teftimonals  of  perfonal  refpec~l  to 
me,  or  of  attachment  to  the  government, 
could  be  more  acceptable  than  thofe  in  this 
addrefs,  which  breathe  the  genuine  fenti- 
ments  of  Americans  attached  to  their  coun- 
try, by  every  tie  of  nature  and  affecliori. 

I  am  happy,  in  your  opinion,  that  thofe 
who  infult  and  injure  us,  are  left  \vithout 
excufe,  becaufe  every  thing  on  the  part  of 
our  government  has  been  attempted,  confid- 
ent \viththofefacredduties  which  we  owe 
to  our  rights  and  honor,  as  a  free  and  inde- 
pendent people. 

Your  opinion,  that  war  with  all  its  attend- 
ant diftreffes,  is  far  preferable  to  a  furrender 
of  our  national  freedom,  is  undoubtedly  juil 
and  becoming  Americans;  but  ouriituation 

is 


A  p'p-R.E..S  S  £  S.          1% 

is  fuch,  that.a  furre  rider  of  our  independ- 
ence to  thofe  who  aflail  it,  would  only  more 
furely  involve  us  in  the  worft  war  that  could 
fall  to  our  lot. 

The  real  queftion  before  us  feems  to  be, 
•whether  we  {hall  involve  on  Helves  in  an  un- 
juft  and  unneceffary  war  of  offence  againft 
one  nation,  —  Or,  be  involved  by  the  fraud 
and  violence  of  another,  in  a  juft  and 
neceffary  war  of  defence.  —  Befides^  how 
many  nations  who  have  never  injured,  ift- 
ifulted  &r  offended  us,  a-re  we  to  affift  or 
contribute  to  deftroy  ? 

It  is  better  to  be  prepared,  as  you  are,  at 
all  hazards,  to  fupport  the  government  of 
our  country  in  the  meafures  neceffary  for 
the  defence  of  our  honor. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


NEW-JERSEY. 


The  M  E  M  O-R  i  A  L  of  the  INHABITANTS  of  the 
County  of  BURLINGTON,  to  the  PRESI- 
DENT, the  SEN  ATE,  and  the  Houfe  0/Rzp- 

RESENTATIVES  of  the  UNITED    &TAT£S 

*df  AMEU  ic  A  — 
RESPECTFULLY  SHEWETH, 


T 


HAT  deeply  imprcrTed  by  a  fenie  of  the 
bleflings  |hey  enjoy  under  the  truly  free  and 


equal 


1  6*          PAT  R  I  O  T  I  C 

equal  government  of  the  United  States^ 
they,  as  members  of  this  happy  and  highly 
favored  community,  are  determined  at  ev- 
ery hazard  to  -maintain  their  rights-,  freedom 
and  independence.  Attached  to  their  coun- 
try and  conftitution,  by  the  ftrongeft  ties  of 
ii.uereit  and  aflfeclion,  your  memorialifts  de- 
clare, that  as  the  conduct-  purfued  by  the 
Prefident  to  preferve  peace  \vith  foreign  na- 
tions, merits  and  receives  their  perfect  and 
grateful  approbation,  fo  their  confidence  in 
the  :wifcJoiH  and  patrioiifm  of  every  branch 
of  the  government  being  complete,  they 
pledge  themfelves  firmly  to  fupport  every 
meafure  which  may  hereafter  be  thought 
neceffary  toffecu.re  the.  rights  and  independ- 
ence of  the  united  States. 


from  the  ANSWER  of  the  PRESI- 
DENT, to  the  INHABITANTS  of  the  County 

of  B  U  R  L  I  N  G  T  O  N  . 

"GENTLEMEN, 

<;  THtRE  isnotliingintlTeconduclof 
our  enemies  more  -remarkable  than  their  to- 
tal contempt  of  the  people,  while  they  pre- 
tend to  do  all  for  the  people,  and  of  all  real 
republican  governments,  while  they  fcreen 
themfelves  under  iome  of  their  names  and 
forms  ;  while  they  are  e  reeling  military  d£f- 
potifmsj  under  the  delufive  names  of  repre,- 

fentative 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  $.          165 

Tentative  democracies^  they  are  demolifhing 
the  Pope  by  the  mod  machiavelian  maxim 
of  ope  of  his  predecdTbrs,.  "  If  the  good  peo- 
ple will  be  deceived,  let  him  be  deceived." 

"The  American  people  are  unqueftion- 
ably  the  heft  qualified,  of  any  great  nation 
in  the  world,  by  their  character,  habits,  and 
all  other  circumflances,  for  a  real  republi- 
can government;  yet  the  American  people 
are  reprefented  as  in  oppofition,  in  enmity, 
and  on  the  point  of  hoftiiity  againil  the  govr 
ernment  of  their  own  inditution,  and  the 
adminift ration  of  their  own  choice.  If  thi^ 
were  true,  what  would  be  the  confequence  ? 
Nothing  more,  n#r  lefs,  than  that  they:are 
rTpe  for  a  military  defpotifm,  under  the  dom- 
ination of  a  foreign  power  ;  it  is  to  me  no 
wonder,  that  American  blood  boils  at  thete 
ideas. 

"  Your  ardent  attachment  to  the  conflitu- 
ition  apd  government  of  the  United  States, 
and-  compleat.  confidence  in  ^11  its  depart- 
ments .;•  your  firm  reiolution,  at  every  haz- 
ard, to  maiiuain,  fupport  and  defend,  with 
your  lives  and  fortunes,  every  meafure, 
which  by  your  lawful  reprefentatives,  may 
be  deemed  necefiary,  to  proted  the  rights, 
liberty  and  independence  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  will  do  you  honor  with 
all  the  world,  and  with  all  poflerity. 

JOHN  ADAMS.'* 
The 


166          PATRIOT  I  C 

The  ADDRESS  and  M  E  M  6  RIAL  'of'th t  C r  T- 

I  Z  E  N  S   of  N  E  W  A  R  K ,  Yft  M f  Sftf/f  of  N  E  W- 

JERSEY,  £0.  •///.«  P  R  E  s  i  b  E  N  T,  ;//z  <*  S  E  N  A  T  r , 
c.  nd  th e.  Houfe  of  R  E  P  R  E  SENT  /,  T  i  v  E  s  o/* 
Mif  UNITED  STATES  c/"  AMERICA — 

RESPECTFULLY"  SHEWETH, 

/i  !     '         ", 

i  HAT  your  memorialifts  view  the  prefent 
time  as  pregnant  with  events  highly  import- 
ant to  the  peace,  happinefs  and  fafety  of  the 
United  States,  and  therefore  requiring  the 
in  oft  perfect  unanimity,  both  in  the  national 
councils,  and  among  ev-ery  delcription  of 
citizens. 

The  communications  from  our  ccmmif- 
fioners  at  Paris,  and  the  inftruclions  given 
to  them  by  the  Prefidentof  the  United  States, 
and  which  are  now  made  piibjic,  have  pro- 
duced  a  very  happy  effecl,  by  convincing  us 
that  every  meafu-re,  confiftent  with  the  Hon- 
or, intereft  and  independence  of  the  United 
States,  has  been  attempted  by  our  govern* 
inent  to  efFecl  a  good  underftanding  between 
us  and  the  Frenclvrepublic  ;  and  we  lament 
that,  for  want  of  a  fimilar  difpofition  on  the 
part  of  the  French  republic,  all  thofe  en- 
dea.vprs  have  as  yet  proved  abortive. 

Your  memorialifts  poffefs  the  moft  un- 
fhaken  confidence  in  the  government,  and 
truft  that  while  they  are  purfuing  juft  mea- 
fures  to  produce  an  amicable  adjuftment  of 

all 


ADD  R  E.-S  S  E  S.          167 

all  the  exifting  differences  which  at  prefent 
fubfiil  between  the  trench  republic  and  the 
-United  States,  they  will  at  the  lame  time  be 
prepared  with  firmnefstq  repel  all.  attempts 
that  are  made  hoftile  to  the  peace,  govern- 
ment and  dignity  of.  the  United  States. 

Your  mernorialifts:are  fully  perfuaded 
that  the  .-difference  jin.6pi.nion  .which,  has,  pre- 
vailed among  the  :  citizens  of  the  United 
States,  liasvbeenrowing  to  delufion  aud  inif- 
reprefentation  ;'and  that  the  information 
lately  received,  has  led  almoft  all  our  citi- 
zens to  a  determination  to  rally  round  the 
conftitution,  and  to  defend  *the  fame  with 
pur  lives  and  fortunes. 

'  :  r. 


To  the  CITIZENS  of  NEWARK,  in  the  State 

of  NEW-  JERSEY. 
*/  <j  . 

GENTLEMEN, 

THE  preftntperiod  of  univerfal  effer- 
vxsfcencerthrough  the  world,'is  indeed  preg- 
nant with  events  highly  important  to  the 
fafety  of  all  nations  ;  that  nation  muft  be 
unconnecled  with  the  reft  of  mankind,  which 
can  depend  upon  a  total  exemption  from  its 
feelings,  and  fympathies  :  the  United  States 
are  fo  largely  and  extenfively  connected, 
that  they  ought  to  have  been  fooner  appri- 
zed of  the  neceflity  of  unanimity  in  council, 
and  among  the  citizens  at.  large. 

I  rejoice 


i68          PAT  R  1  O  T  I  C 

I  rejoice  with  you  in  any  event  which 
may  have  produced  the  happy  effett  of  uni- 
ting the  people  in  fupporting  thejr  own  gov- 
ernment, and  oppoiing.  the  unreaibnable 
•difpolitions  of  others. 

~I  thank  you  for  your  declaration  of  un- 
fhaken  confidence  in  the  government,  and 
for  your  advice,  to  be  prepared  with  firm- 
nefs,  to  repel  all  attempts  that  are  made.* 
.againft  the  peace,  government  and  dignity 
of  the  United  States  ;  but  I  know  of  no 
further  meafures  that  canbepurfucd  to  pro- 
duce an  amicable  adjuftment  of  differences 

,with  the  French  irepubiic. 

• 

The  delufions  and  mifreprerentaticKvs, 
-which  have  mifled  fo  many  citizens,  are 
very  ferious  evils  and  muft  be  difcountenan- 
.ced  by  authority,  as  well  as.  by  the  citizens 
at  large,  or  they  will  foon  produce  all  kinds 
of  calamities  in  this  country. 

If  the  late  information  -basiled  almort  all 
.our  citizens  to  a  determination  to  raily 
round  the  coniliturion,  and  defend  it  with 
their  lives  and  fortunes,  I  congratulate  you 
mod  fincerely  on  this  happy  event,  fo  au- 
•fpiciousto  the  fafety,  greatnefs  and  glory  of 
pur  country. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


ADDRESSES.          169 

To  JOHN   ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the 

UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

IHE  inhabitants  of  Bridgeton,  in  the 
county  of  Cumberland,  New-Jerfey,  being 
convened  in  public  meeting,  and  having 
taken  into  confideration  the  prefent  critical 
fituation  of  our  national  affairs,  are  defirous 
of  making  known  to  you  their  unanimous 
opinion  on  the  fubjeft. 

Although  we  difapprove  of  addreffes  on 
ordinary  occurrences,  which  refpeft  the  in- 
terior  'concerns,  or  domeftic  adminiftration 
of  our  national  government. as  we  apprehend 
that  our  reprefcntative  bodies  and  conftitu- 
ted  authorities,  are  the  proper  conftitutional 
organs  for  exprefling  the  political  fentiment 
and  will  of  the  people  ;  yet,  on  the  prefent 
-extraordinary  occafion,  refpe&ing  our  exte- 
rior intercourfe  with  the  French  nation,  in 
••which  they  appear  evidently  to  be  influenced 
and  encouraged,  in  their  infults  on  our  na- 
tional character,  and  depredations  on  our 
commerce,  by  an  erroneous  opinion,  that 
there  exilts  a  divifion,  between  the  adminif- 
trators  of  the  government  and  the  people  of 
this  country  ;  we  efteem  it  an  incumbent 
duty,  to  teftify  our  entire  approbation  of 
your  conduct,  and  full  confidence  in  your 
adminiflration,  more  especially  in  relation 
to  the  republic  of  France. 

P  We 


170          PATRIOTIC 

We  have  obferved  with  much  pleafure 
and  fatisfa&ion,  that  the  wife  and  prudent 
meafures  adopted  by  your  predeceffor,  to 
preferve  and  fupport  a  fair  and  impartial 
neutrality  with  the  belligerent  powers  of  Eu- 
rope, and  to  protecl  the  commerce  of  our 
country,  have  been  fteadily  purfued  by  you. 
And  though  we  firmly  believe  that  the  pref- , 
ent  mifimderftanding  between  the  republics 
of  France  and  America, .cannot  fairly  be  im- 
ptited  to  any  unjuftifiable  conduct  on  the 
part  of  the  latter,  we,  neverthelefs,  entirely 
approve  of  the  inftru&ions  given  to  our  e-n- 
yoys  to  the  French  republic,  and  the  con- 
ciliatory and  pacific  endeavors  which  have 
been  uied,  fpr  accommodating  the  differen- 
ces, and  reftoring  a  friendly  intercourfe  and 
good  understanding  with  that  government. 

While  we  exprefsa  juft  indignation  at  the 
difgraceful  treatment  of  our  diplomatic 
agents  by  the  French  Directory,  we  fincere- 
]y  regret  that  t*he  defirable  objects  of  their 
embaify,  have  hitherto  proved  unattainable. 
And  (hould  it  become  neceffary  to  repel,  by 
force,  the  unjuft  aggreflions  of  any  foreign 
nation  whatever,  we  are  determined,  at  all 
events, to  fupport  the  Executive. and  defend 
the  honor,  intereft,  and  independence,  of 
our  .country. 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          171 

To  the  INHABITANTS  O/"BR  IDG  ETON,  in 
the,  County  of  C  u  M  B  E  R  L  A  x  D,  in  the  State 
of  NEW-JERSEY. 

GENTLEMEN, 

TO  you  who  difapprove  of  addreffes  of 
compliment  in  general,  and  of  the  interpo- 
lation of  conftituents  in  the  ordinary  courfe 
of  national  affairs,  my  thanks  are  more  par- 
ticularly due,  for  trie  part  you  have  taken  at 
this  extraordinary  crius. 

In  preparing  the  project  of  a  treaty  to 
be  propofed  by  Congrels  to  France,  in  the 
year  1776,  fully  apprized  of  the  importance 
of  neutrality,  I  prefcribed  to  myfelf  as  a 
rule,  to  admit  nothing  which  could  com- 
prom-ife  the  United  States  in  any  future  wars 
of  Europe — In  the  negociations  of  peace  in 
1782,  I  law  flronger  reafons  than  ever  be- 
fore, in  favor  of  that  maxim. 

The  wife  and  prudent  meafures  adopted 
by  my  predeceflbr,  to  preferve  and  fupport 
a  fair  and  impartial  neutrality,  with  the  bel- 
ligerent powers  of  Europe,  coinciding  with' 
my  own  opinions  and  principles,  more  an- 
cient than  the  birth  of  the  United  States, 
could  not  but  be  heartily  approved  and  fup- 
ported  by  me,  during  his  whole  adminiftra- 
tion,  and  fteadily  purfued  until  this  time. 
It  was,  however,  no  part  of  the  fyftem  of 
ray  predeceflbr,  nor  is  it  any  article  of  my 
creed,  that  neutrality  Ihould  be*  purchafed 

*  .  with 


PATRIOTIC 

-with  bribes,  by  the  facrifice  of  our  fovereign- 
ty,  and  the  abandonment  of  our  independ- 
ence, by  the  furrender  of  our  moral  charac- 
ter, by  tarnifhing  our  honor,  by  violations 
of  public  faith,  or  by  any  means  humiliating 
to  our  own  national  pride,  or  difgraceful  in 
the  eyes  of  the  world  ;  nor  will  1  be  the  in- 
itrument  of  procuring  it  on  fuch  terms. 

I  thank  you,  gentlemen,  for  your  candid 
approbation,  and  your  noble  afTurances  of 
iupport. 

JOHN  ADAMS* 


From  the  I  N  H  A  B  i  T  A  N  T  s  of  the  Town/hips  of 
WINDSOR  and  MONTGOMERY,  and  the 
Towns  of  PRINCETON  and  KINGSTON, 
to  the  PRESIDE~NT,^A<?SEN  ATE, and  Houfe 
of  REPRESENTATIVES  of  the  UNITED 
STATES. 

LEGISLATORS,  AND  RULERS 
OF  AMERICA, 

J\.T  an  interefting  crifis,  like  the  prefent, 
you  will  naturally  be  fblicitous  to  be  fin- 
eerely  poflefFed  of  the  public  fentiment,  and 
to  know  to  what  point  you  may  depend  on 
the  cheerful  and  zealous  co-operation  and 
aid  of  every  citizen,  in  the  energetic  mea- 
fures  which  you  may  find  it  neceffary  to 
adopt  for  the  public  good. 

Although 


ADDRESSES.          173 

Although,  claiming  an  equality- with  you, 
in  your  private  and  individual  capacities,  as 
your  fellow-citizens — in  your  reprefentative 
functions  we  venerate  you  as  the  organs, 
and  refpe£l  in  your  perforis  the  majeity  of 
the  laws.  WeprefuTne  not,  under  the  foim 
of  refolutions  or  inttruclions,  to  dictate  to 
thofe  to  whom  we  have  entrufted  the  right 
of  judging,  and  whofe  (ituation  afford  them 
the  belt  means  of  forming  their  decifions 
with  wifdom  and  an  equal  regard  to  the 
general  interefts.  We  have  affembled  at 
this  important  moment,  only  to  pledge  to 
you  our  loyalty  and  fidelity.  We  eftimate, 
at  its  juft  value,  the  precious  liberty  which 
we  enjoy  ;  and  we  feel,  with  an  honeft  pride, 
that  national  dignity,  and  that  felf  refpect 
which  the  freeft  people  on  earth  ought  to 
feel.  Americans  have  broken  the  yoke  of 
one  tyrant,  and  they  will  not  become  the 
tributaries  of  another.  . 

Wehavefeen  with  indignation  the  depre- 
dations committed  on  our  lawful  commerce, 
and  the  repeated  infults  offered  to  our  gov- 
ernment, whilfl  it  has  fought  nothing  but 
peace,  on  juft  and  equitable  terms.  We 
have  feen,  with  the  difdainful  fentiments 
that  become  freemen,  the  late  efforts  to  re- 
duce us  to  the  dependent  and  degraded  Hate 
of  Milan,  or  Genoa,  or  to  enflave  and  dif- 
member  us  like  the  miferable  republic  of 
Venice.  We  have  feen,  with  mingled  ema- 
P  2  tions 


174          PATRIOTIC 

tions  of  refentment  and  contempt,  the  info- 
lent  propofals  to  exacl  from  us  an  enormous 
and  incalculable  tribute,  not  only  to  aid  the 
national  interefts  of  France,  \vhich  though 
lefs  humiliating,  would  ftili  be  intolerable  to 
a  free  people,  but  to  maintain  the  profliga- 
cy and  vice  of  her  individual,  miferable 
agents — a  condition  below  infamy  itfelf. 

LEGISLATORS  !  RULERS  ! 
WE  pledge  to  you  our  lives,  our  for- 
tunes, and  ourfacred  honor;  we  will  cheer- 
fully fubmit  to  every  pecuniary  burthen  you 
may  think  it  necefrary  to  impofe,  for  the 
fafety  and  defence  of  the  republic  ;  and  the 
militia  of  New-Jerfey,  will,  as  they  have 
always  done,  fly  at  your  command,  either  to 
repel  the  invafion  of  foreign  enemies,  or  to 
crufh  the  villany  of  domeftic  traitors.  We 
pray  for  peace,  while  it  can  be  preferved  on 
honorable  terms  ;  but  trufting  in  heaven,  in 
our  courage,  and  the  juftice  of  our  caufe, 
we  cannot  fear  the  infolence  of,any  nation. 
The  calamities  of  war  we  deprecate  ;  but 
we  hold  no  calamity  to  be  fo  great  as  that 
of  dependence  on  a  foreign  power  ;  and  no 
calculation  can  be  made  of  national  honor, 
except  by  thofe  who  deferve  to  be  /laves. 
A  people,  who  can  fo  far  forget  themfelves, 
muft  foon  fubmit  to  exactions,  calculated, 
not  on  their  ability  to  pay,  but  on  the  wants, 
the  will,  and  the  vices  of  their  tyrants.  Our 
confidence  in  the  wifdom  and  integrity  of 

the 


ADDRESSES.          175 

the  Executive  of  the  United  States,  has  al- 
ways been  unfhaken  and  entire,  and  we  find 
it  daily  augmented  by  the  developement  of 
events.  If  divifions  have  weakened  the 
legiflature,  and  tempted  the  avarice  or  am- 
bition of  foreign  powers  to  form  the  moft 
criminal  expectations,  we  truft,  hereafter, 
that  unanimity  and  energy  will  defeat  their 
unwarrantable  views.  As  far  as  depends 
on  us,  we  will  refute  the  (landers  that  have 
reprefented  us  as  a  people  divided  from  our 
government ;  we  will  difappoint  thofe  infid- 
ious  intriguers  who  are  inceflantly  (triving 
to  create  a  feparation,  that  they  may  have  a 
pretence  for  intermeddling  in  our  domeftic 
policy  ;  and  at  length  an  opportunity  of  en- 
flaving  us,  as  they  have  done  fo  many  other 
dates,  by  taking  under  their  protection  a  tur- 
bulent faclion  in  the  name  of  the  people. 

In  proportion  as  the  fincerity  and  human- 
ity  of  the  American  people  have  led  them 
to  (hew  a  forbearance,  in  the  purfuit  of 
peace,  which  has  been  mifconftrued  into 
pufillanimity  or  a  mercenary  dereliction  of 
the  folid  interefts  and  glory  of  their  coun- 
try, will  they,  when  roufed  by  the  injuftice 
of  their  enemies,  difplay  a  noble  firmnefs  and 
enterprize  in  its  defence. 

Although  it  belongs  not  to  us  to  diclate 
meafures  to  government,  it  is  a  privilege 
which  we  truft  will  not  be  unacceptable  to 

you 


176          PATRIOTIC 

you  in  this  trying  junfture,  to -declare  our 
warm  and  unequivocal  approbation  of  the 
wife  and  temperate  fyftem  which  has  hither- 
to been  purfued  with  regard  to,  our  foreign 
relations,  and  our  undiininifhed  confidence 
in  thofe  who  prefide  over  the  affairs  of  the 
nation  with  fo  much  wifdom  and  prudence. 
We  are  prepared  for  every  event.  If  you 
fhould  deem  it  neceflary  to  impofe  a  reftraint 
upon  foreign  commerce,  we  will  cheerfully 
forego  the  conveniences  of  living,  which 
commerce  yields.  If,  on  the  other  hand, 
you  refolve  to  claim  your  rights  and  bravely 
to  defend  them,  we  make  not  indeed  any 
boaftful  profeffions  of  chaining  vi&ory  to 
our  arms,  but  we  fear  not  to  meet  either  in 
the  field  or  on  the  ocean,  thofe  who  have 
been  accuftomed  to  boaft. 

That  the  Eternal,  who  prefides  in  fecret 
dver  the  fate  of  empires,  may  preferve  the 
American  people,  and  ever  have  your  Ex- 
cellency, and  you  the  honorable  members 
of  the  Senate  and  the  Houfe  of  Repreienta- 
tives,  in  his  gracious  and  powerful  protec- 
tion, is  the  fervent  prayer  of  your  refpeciful 
fellow-citizens,  and  the  obedient  fubjecls  of 
the  laws,  the  inhabitants  and  freeholders  of 
the  precincls  of  Princeton  and  Kingflon,and 
the  townfhips  of  Montgomery  and  Windfor, 
in  the  State  of  New-Jerfey. 

To 


ADDRESSES.          177 

To  the  INHABITANTS  of  the  Townjhips  of 
WINDSOR  and  MONTGOMERY,  and  the 
Towns  of  PRINCETON  and  KINGSTON. 

GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  dutiful  and  loyal  addrefs  to  the 
Prefident,  Senate,  and  Houfe  of  Reprefen- 
tatives,  was  prefented  in  its  feafon,  with 
exprefs  information  that  no  anfwer  was  ex- 
pefted ;  although  for  this  reafon,  I  have 
hitherto  negle&ed  to  anfwer  it,  I  muft  fay, 
that  no  addrefs  has  deferved  or  received  a 
more  refpeBful  and  affe&ionate  attention. 

If  the  veneration  you  profefs,  for  the  rep- 
refentatives  of  the  nation,  and  the  organs  of 
the  public  judgment  and  will,  are  not  juft, 
where  is,  or  can  be  the  object  of  public  con- 
fidence ?  Where  can  be  found  the  rule  of 
a&ion  for  the  citizen  ?  There  can  be  no  al- 
ternative between  this  and  anarchy  : — every 
man,  the  foolifh  as  well  as  the  "wife,  the 
wicked  as  well  as  the  juft,  doing  what  is  right 
in  his  own  eyes  ;  and  we  know  that  in  fuch 
a  cafe,  the  bad  being  under  no  reftraint  of 
confcience,  will  have  the  advantage  of  the 
good,  who  can  permit  themfelves  to  do  no 
wrong.  The  very  modern  hiftory  of  the 
laft  twelve  years,  has  abundantly  illuftrated 
the  proverb,  that  anarchy  does  more  mif- 
chief  in  one  night  than  even  tyranny  itfelf 
in  ten  years  ;  what  is  the  difference  then 
between  anarchy  and  good  government  ? 

The 


178          PATRIOTIC 

The  pledge  of  your  fidelity  is  received 
with  pleafure  ;  the  eftimate  of  the  precious 
liberty  you  enjoy,  is  candid  and  honorable; 
the  honed  pride  you  feel  in  the  national  dig- 
nity, is  a*  bulwark  of  defence  and  fafety  ta 
the  (late  ;  the  depredations  committed  oft 
our  commerce,  the  cruelties  to  our  feamen, 
the  infults  to  our  government,  the  contempt 
of  our  ambafladors,  could  have  originated 
in  nothing  but  a  fixed  opinion  that  the  Uni- 
ted States  were  like  the  rotten  republics  of 
Europe,  ropes  of  fand,  decayed  timbers  of 
old  fiii ps,  to  be  fhaken  to  atoms  by  thfe 
fmallefl  agitation.- 

The  pledge  of  your  lives,  fortunes  and 
your  facred  honor,  ought  to  convince  that 
our  republic  is"  ft  ill  found' ;  domeftic  traitors 
will  be  found  to  be  very  few  ;  trufting  in 
Heaven,  in  your  own  courage  and  the  juf- 
tice  of  your  caufe,  you  need  not  fear  any 
i  n  f o  1  e  n  t  m  e  n  a  c  e  s . 

Calculations  of  the  value  of  national  hon- 
or, in  Eagles,  Dollars  and  Cents,  have  been 
lately  found  by  the  republics  of  Europe,  the 
moft  extravagant  and  fatal  of  all  fpecula- 
tions,  and  the  fureft  road  to  bankruptcy  and 
ruin.  Wills,  wants  and  vices,  have  been 
found  to  exceed  all  calculations.  Your  con- 
fidence in  the  executive  authority  deferves 
my  thanks — unanimity  and  energy  are  ta- 
king place  of  divifitfns  every  where,  and  will 

defeat 


ADDRESSES.          179 

defeat  the  unwarrantable  projects  againft  us, 
Infidious  intriguers  will  loon  find  no  turbu- 
lent faction  to  take  under  their  protection. 

I  thank  you  for  the  excellent  temper, 
principles  and  fentiments  difplayed  in  this 
addrefs,  and  join  you  fincerely  in  prayers  to 
the  Eternal,  who  prefides  over  the  fates  of 
empires,  that  he  may  preferve  the  American 
people.  - 

JOHN  .ADAMS. 


From  ^CITIZENS'*?/  the  Townjliips  of  AM- 
WELL,  RE  ADINGTON,  and  KIN  GWOOD, 
to  the  PR  ESI  DE  N  T  oftheUxiTzv  STATES. 

SIR, 

W  E  fhould  do  violence  to  the  refpecl^and 
loyalty  we  potters  for  our  firft  magistrate, 
and  the  attachment,  love  and  veneration 
which  we  entertain  for  our  conftitution  and 
cherifh  for  our  country,  were  we  to  remain 
filent  when  our  honor  is  infulted,  our  inter- 
efts  injured  and  our  national  rights  viola- 
ted ;  we  profefs,  Sir,  that  we  once  were 
attached  to  the  French  nation,  and  anxioufly 
wifhed  that  they  might  accomplish  the  avow- 
ed object  of  their  revolution  ;  but,  Sir>  we 
never  will  permit  our  zeal  for  any  nation  to 
induce  us  to  lofe  fight  of  the  honor,  intereft, 
jdignity  and  freedom  of  our  own  country. 
{We  have  maturely  confidered  the  attempts 

you 


i8o          PATRIOTIC 

you  have  made  to  preferve  an  honorable 
peace  with  the  French  republic,  and  \ve 
have  with  pain  feen  their  effect.  We  ap- 
prove of  and  admire  the  pacific  difpofition, 
the  wifdom,  the  dignified  love  of  country 
and  the  liberal  policy  discoverable  in  your 
inftru&ions  to  our  envoys  extraordinary  ; 
and  we  moil  heartily  defpife  the  corrupt,  the 
fervile,  and  the  tributary  conditions,  offer- 
ed to  us  by  the  agents  of  the  Directory. 
Sir,  we  are  not  divided  from  our  govern- 
ment —  we  highly  approve  of  the  adminiftra- 
tion  of  it  —  and  we  will  with  our  property 
and  fervices,  fupport  it,  and  every  act  of  our 
conftituted  authorities,  in  defiance  of  the 
threats  or  power  of  any  nation  on  earth. 


To  the  CITIZENS  of  the  Town/Jiifn  of  AM- 

W  ELL,  RE  A  DING  TON,  and  KlNGWOOD. 

GENTLEMEN, 

THE  refpecl  you  profefs  for  your  fir  ft 
magiftrate  is  obliging  to  him,  and  your  at- 
tachment, love  and  veneration  for  your 
confutation  and  country,  will  be  amiable  in 
the  eyes  of  all  men. 

The  attachment  you  profefs  for  the 
French  nation  was  common  to  you,  and  to 
America  in  general  ;  but  never  was  the  at- 
tachment  of  one  nation  to  another  fo  wan- 
tonly, capricioufly,  fo  infolently  defpifed 

and 


ADDRESSES.          i8t 

and  thrown  away.  All  great  things  have1 
begun  in  contempt — the  Roman  empire — • 
the  French  republic — and  to  rife  infinitely 
higher  than  both  for  an  example,  the  Chrif- 
tian  religion  itfelf  might  be  cited  :  Our 
American  world  exhibits  another  inftance — 
but  mark  the  iffiie ; — this  contempt  will  be 
changed  into  refpeft  and  admiration,  and  I 
Jiope  to  live  to  fee  .the  time  and  to  rejoice 
with  you  in  it; 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


From 'the  whole  of  the  SOLDIER  CITIZENS 
of  NEW-JERSEY,  to  the  PRESIDENT  of 
the  UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

X  HE  Commander  in  Chief,  the  General 
Officers,  the  General  Staff  and  Field-Offi- 
cers of  the  militia  of  the  State  of  New-Jer- 
fey,  feel,  in  common  witrh  their  numerous 
fellow-citizens,  who  have  addrefled  you  in 
the  prefent  critical  iituation  of  our  nation, 
and  moft  cordially  join  them  in  expreiling 
to  you  their  high  approbation  of  your  con- 
duel  in  the  management  of  its  foreign  con- 
cerns, and  their  indignation  at  the  infult 
offered  to  the  honor  and  independence  of 
the  American  people. 

We  come  not,  Sir,  to  diftate — whether 
;peace  can  be  preferved  with  the  fafcty  of 

our 


182          P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 

our  national  dignity,  or  \vhether  an  appeal 
js  to  be  made  to  arms,  are  queftions  entiuft- 
cd  to  thole  in  whofe  patriotifrn  we  conikle, 
and  according  to  their  dccifion  we  (hall  aU 
.ways  be  prepared  to  a 61.  But,  Sir,  at  this 
eventful  period,  we  deem  it  our  duty,  and 
%ve  feel  it  a  pleafurc,  re_fpe£tfully  to  approach 
our  Commander  in  Chief,  and  to  make  him 
a.folemn  proffer  of  our  Jives  and  fortunes 
in  the  fervice  of  our  country. 

-It  is  not,  Sir,  for  foldjers  to  boa  ft  :  but 
we  know  the  troops  whom  we. have  the  hon- 
or to  command- — we  have  been  eye-witrieffes 
to  their  a  -(U'm  zeal  in  the  caufe  of  freedom— 
we  have  been  their  companions  in  many  toils 
and  many  fufferings,  and  if  our  beloved 
country  calls,  we  (hall  again  cad  the  eye  of 
Confidence  along  their  embattled  ranks. 

,Let  ,our  enemies  flatter .themfelves  that 
.we  are  a  divided  people. —In  New-JeiTey, 
Sir,  with  .the  exception  of  a  few  degraded 
and  a  few  dt.luded  .characters,  to  whole  per- 
ibns,  and  to  whofe  fervices  the  invading  foe 
fliall  be  welcome,  from  the  moment  of  their 
arrival,  and  whom  we  engage  to  convey  in 
fafety  to  their  lines — -In  New-Jerfey,  Sir, 
there  is  but  one  voice— and  that  is  the  voice 
of  confidence  in  the  Federal  Government— 
the  voice  of  perfect  fatisfaBion  with  your 
adminiftration  of  it  --and  the  voice  of  firm- 
nefs  and  determination  to  fupport  the  laws 

and 


ADDRESSES.          183 

and  conftitution,  the  honor  and  dignity  of 
the  United  States  ;  and,  Sir,  for  the  defence 
of  thefe,  we  do  this  day,  in  the  prefence  of 
the  God  of  armies,  and  in  firm  reliance  ori 
his  protection,  folemnly  pledge  to  you,  our 
lives,,  our  fortunes  and  our  facred  honor. 


To  the  SoLDIER.Cl'TIZtfNS.fl/NEW-jERSE  Y. 
GENTLEMEN, 

AMONG  all  the  numerous  addrefTes 
which  have  been  prefented  to  me,  in  the 
prefent  critical  fituation  of  our  nation,  there 
has  been  none  which  has  done  me  more  hon- 
or, none  animated  with  a  more  glowing  love- 
of  our  country,  or  exprefnve  of  fentiments 
more  determined  and  magnanimous.  The 
fubmiflion  you  avow  to  the  civil  authority, 
an  indifpenfable  principle  in  the  character 
of  warriors  in  a  free  government,  at  the 
fame  moment  when  you  make  a  folemn  prof- 
fer of  your  lives  and  fortunes  in  the  fervice 
of  your  country,  is  highly  honorable  to  your 
difpoiitions  as  citizens  and  foldiers,  and 
proves  you  perfectly  qualified  for  the  duties 
of  both  characters. 

Officers  and  foldiers  of  New-Jerfey,  have 
as  little  occafion  as  they  have  difpofition  to 
boaft.  Their  country  has  long  boafted  of 
their  ardent  zeal  in  the  caufe  of  freedom, 
and  their  invincible  intrepidity  in  the  jday  of 

battle.  v 

Your 


184          PATRIOTIC 

Your  voice  of  confidence  and  fatisfac"lionr 
of  firmnefs  and  determination  to  fupport  the* 
laws  and  conftitution  of  the  United  States, 
has  a  charm  in  it  irrefiftible  to  the  feelings 
of  every  American  bofom  ;  but,  when  in 
the  prefence  of  the  God  of  armies,  and  in 
firm  reliance  on  his  protection,  you  folemnly 
pledge  your  lives  and  fortunes,  and  your 
f'acred  honor ;  you  have  recorded  words 
\vhich  ought  to  be  indelibly  imprinted  in  the 
memory  of  every  American  youth.  With 
thefe  fentiments  in  the  hearts,  and  this  lan- 
guage in  the  mouths  of  Americans  in  gen- 
eral, the  greateft  nation  may  menace  at  its 
pleafure,  and  the  degraded  and  the  deluded 
.characters  may  tremble,  left  they  fhould  be 
condemned  to  the  fevered  punifhrnent  an 
American  can  fufTer—  that  of  being  convey- 
ed in  fafety  within  the  lines  of  an  invading 
enemy. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

«...»..«..  .gV».«  VN.tf).  „>..>... 

To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UN  i  T E  D  S T  A T  E  s , 
SIR, 

1  HE  ftudents  of  the  College  of  New-Jer- 
fey,  awfully  impreffed  by  the  threatening 
clouds  which  obfcure  our  political  horri- 
zon,  and  well  aware  of  the  importance  of 
united  and  vigorous  exertions,  would  offer 
their  feeble,  though  hearty  concurrence,  in 

applauding 


ADDRESSES.  185 

applauding   your    adminift ration,  and  fup- 
porting  the  energy  of  government. 

We  deem  it  the  duty  of  every  American 
attached  to  the  freedom  and  independence 
of  his  country,  to  oppofe  the  aggreflions  of 
foreign  power  ;  nor  is  it  lefs  incumbent  on 
thoie  who,  though  young  in  years  and  wif- 
dom,  anticipate  a  period,  when  they  (hall 
be  admitted  to  the  privilege  of  citizenfhip, 
zealoufly  to  defend  their  precious  inherit- 
ance. We  hope  to  manifeft  to  the"  world, 
when  the  rules  of  our  inftitution  will  permit, 
that  the  youth  of  Naflau  will  glory  in  de- 
fending the  independence  of  their  fathers. 

The  national  honor  of  our  country,  we 
efteem  of  incalculable  value— Our  lives  we 
eftimate  worthy  of  prefer vation  only  as  we 
enjoy  the  independence  of  freemen.  We 
view,  with  the  ardent  refentments  of  youth, 
the  encroachments  of  foreign  nations  on 
cur  rights.  We  contemplate,  with  impa- 
tience, their  lawlefs  depredations.  In  com- 
mon with  our  countrymen,  we  lament  the 
r,eceflit)  of  military  operations  ;  yet,  urged 
upon  them  involuntarily,,  we  confidently 
truft  in  Heaven,  that  the  refult  will  be  fa- 
vorable to  the  caufe  of  freedom  and  human- 
ity. Our  gri-ef  arifes  not  from  pufillani- 
'inity  ;  it  is  the  offspring  of  love  to  our 
country.  Though  we  dare  brave  the  in- 
trepid attack  of  the  hoftiie  army,  we  forefee,. 
Q  2  with 


186          PATRIOTIC 

with  regret,  the  multiplied  calamities  that 
rauft  rcfult  from  the  conflict. 

'Although  but  juft  arifen  from  our  cra- 
dles, \vhen  the  French  nation  broke  the 
fceptre  of  defpotifm,  we,  Sir,  in  common 
with  our  fathers,  caught  the  flame  of  enthu- 
fiafm,  at  the  profpeft  of  a  people  enflaved 
for  ages,  by  a  fucceffion  of  tyrants,  at  once 
claiming  their  indefeafible  rights,  and  nobly 
daring  to  affert  their  freedom.  We  fondly 
hoped,  that  the  fpirit  which  created,  would 
conduct  the  revolution.  In  this  hope  we 
have  been  disappointed.  We  have  feen  the 
French  nation  laying  afide  their  firft  princi- 
ples of  juftice,  and  aiming  at  univerfal  em- 
pire. We  have  feen  them,  not  fatisfied  with 
fubjugating  or  ravaging  Europe,  crofs  the 
Atlantic,  infultingly  trample  on  the  rights  of 
our4  neutrality,  and  defpife  the  faith  of  the 
rnoft  folemn  compaQs.  We  have  feen  min- 
iftcrs  fent  by  ourExecutive.to  accommodate 
differences.  We  have  feen  thofe  rninifters 
infulted,  and  their  friendly  offers  rejefted. 
At  fuch  conduft,  we  truft,  every  American 
feels  the  warm-eft  fentiments  of  indignation. 

We  regard  it  as  a  fingular  ^mercy  of 
Heaven  to  our  country,  at  this  important 
crifis,  and  as  one  of  the  fureft  pledges  of 
our  political  fecurity,  that  you  are  placed 
at  the  helm  of  our  affairs.  We  confider  it, 

at 


ADDRESSES.          187 

at  the  fame  time,  as   the   reward   of  your 
well-tried  patriotifm  and  unfhaken  firmnefs. 

While  therefore,  Sir,  we  exprefs  our 
higheft  approbation  of  the  eondu£l  of  the 
Executive  of  the  United  States,  in  the  at- 
tempts to  negotiate  with  the  French  repub- 
lic, we  would  alfo,  with  ardor,  and  we  truft 
with  the  modefty  which  becomes  our  years, 
declare  our  confidence  in  the  conftituted 
authorities  of  our  country.  The  choice  of 
the  people,  we  know,  will  defend  their  rights 
and  privileges.  To  us  there  appears  no 
mean  of  averting  the  ftorm  ;  but  we  declare 
we  are  ready  to  dedicate  our  lives  to  fa- 
tigues and  dangers  in  braving  it. 

May  you  long  continue  to  watch  over  the 
fafety  and  order  of  the  community,  and  may 
our  fellow-citizens  never  ceafe  to  teftify 
their  livelieft  gratitude  for  the  eminent  fer- 
vices  you  have  rendered  them. 


•V,fL*£W  -K 

To  the  STUDENTS  of  NEW-JERSEY  COL- 

LEG  E. 
GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  your  well  -judged 
and  well-penned  addreis,  which  has  been 
prefented  to  me  by  one  of  your  fenators  in 
Congrefs,  from  New-Jerfey,  Mr.  Stockton. 

To  an  high-fpirited  youth,  pofFeffed  of  that 
felf-refpeft  and  felf-eiieem7  which  is  infepa^ 

rable 


i88          PATRIOTIC 

rable  from  confcious  innocence  and  re£U- 
tude,  whofe  bodies  are  not  enervated  by 
irregularities  of  life  ;  whofe  minds  are  not 
Weakened  by  diflipation  or  habits  of  luxury; 
whofe  natural  fentiments  are  improved  and 
fortified  by  claffical  ftudies,  the  aggreflions 
of  a  foreign  power  muft  be  difguiting  and 
odious  :  on  thefe  facts  alone,  I  could  anf- 
v;er  for  the  youth  of  Naflau,  that  they  will 
glory  in  defending  the  independence  of  their 
fathers. 

The  honor  of  your  country,  you  cannot 
efti'mare  too  highly  ;  reputation  is  of  as  much 
importance  to  nations,  in  proportion,  as  to 
individuals-;  honoris  an  higher  interell  than 
reputation  ;  the  man,  or  the  nation,  without 
attachment  to  reputation  or  honor,  is  un- 
done :— What  is  animal  life,  or  national  ex- 
igence, without  either  ?' 

The  regret  -with  which  you  view  the  en- 
croachments of  foreign  nations,  the  impa- 
tience with  which  you  contemplate  their 
lawlefs  depredations,  are  perfectly  naturar, 
and  do  honor  to  your  characters. 

If  regrets  would-  avert  the  neceffity  of 
military  operations,  it  would  be  well  to  in- 
dulge them  ;  but,  if  the  entire  profperity  of 
of  a  ftate  depends  upon  the  difcipHne  of  its 
armies,  a  maxkn  much  refpecVed  by  your 
fathers,  you  rray  hereafter  be  convinced 
that  the  caafe  of,  your  country  and  of  man- 
kind 


ADDRESSES,          189 

kind  may  be  promoted  by  means,  which, 
from  love  to  your  country  and  a  fear  to  fet 
at  defiance  the  laws  of  nature,  you  now  fee 
caufe  to  regret. 

The  flame  of  enthufiafm  which  you,  in 
common  with  your  fathers^  caught  at  the 
French  revolution,  could  have  been  enkin- 
dled only  by  the  innocence  of  your  hearts, 
and  the  purity  of  your  intentions.  Let  me, 
however,  my  amiable  and  accompli/hed 
young  friends,  entreat  you  to  fhidy  the  hif- 
tory  of  that  resolution  ;  the  hiftory  of 
France  during  the  periods  of  the  League 
and  the  Fronde,  and  the  hiftory  of  England 
from  1640  to  1660.  In  thefe  ftudies  you 
may  perhaps  find  a  folution  of  your  difap- 
pointment  in  your  hopes  that  the  Ipirit  which 
created,  would  conduct  the  revolution  :  you 
may  find  that  the  good  intended  by  fair 
characters,  from  the  beginning,  was  defeated 
by  Borgias  and  Catalines  ;  that  thefe  fair 
characters  themfelves  were  inexperienced  in 
freedom,  and  had  very  little  reading  in  the 
fcience  of  government  ;  that  they  were  al- 
together inadequate  to  the  caufe  they  em- 
braced, and  the  enterprize  in  which  they 
embarked.  You  may  find  that  the  moral 
principles,  fanclifced  and  fan&ioned  by  re- 
ligion, are  the  only  bond  of  union,  the  only 
ground  of  confidence  of  the  people  in  one 
another,  of  the  people  in  the  government, 
and  the  government  in  the  people.  Ava- 
rice, 


I9<3          PATRIOTIC 

rice,  ambition  and  pleafure,  can  never  be 
the  foundations  of  reformations  or  revoHi- 
tfions  for  the  better.  Thefe  paffions  have 
dictated  the  aim  at  univerfal  domination; 
trampled  on  the  rights  of  neutrality. 'defpifed 
the  faith  of  folemn  convpacl.  infulted  ambaf- 
fadors.  and  rejected  offers  of  friendfhip. 

;  •  It  is  to  me  a  flattering  idea,  that  you  place 
any  of  your  hopes  of  political  iecurity  in 
me-— mine  are  placed  in  your  fathers  and 
you  ;  and  my  advice  to  both  is,  to  place 
your  confidence,  under  the  favor  of  Heav- 
en, in  yourfelves. 

Your  approbation  of  the  conducl  of  gov- 
ernment, and  confidence  in  its  authorities, 
are  very  acceptable:  If  the  choice  of  the 
people  will  not  defend  their  rights,  who 
will  ?  To  me  there  appears  no  mean  of 
averting  the  florin,  and,  in  my  opinion,  we 
rnufl  all  be  ready  to  dedicate  ourfelves  to 
fatigues  and  dangers.- 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


PENNSYLVANIA. 

- 
-».<{>.~<>.™<i>'  •» 

To  the  PRESIDENT  of  theUx ITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

-A.T  a  moment  when  dangers  threaten  the 
and  profperity  of  the  United  States, 

when 


ADDRESSES,          191 

when  foreign  infolence  :and  rapine  .have 
deeply  wounded  our  national  honor,  and  in- 
jured our  lawful  commerce  ;  it  is  p  relumed 
the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Citizens,  of  the" 
city  of  Philadelphia  will  not  be  unwelcome— 
jvhen  they  come  forward  to  affure  you  of 
their  perfect  approbation  of  y  our  a.  cjmini  ft  ra- 
tion, and  their  entire  confidence  in  your 
wifdom,  integrity  and  patriotifm.  While 
we  admire  the  prudence  and  moderation 
with  which  our  government  has  received  the 
unprovoked  aggreffions  of  France,  and  the 
fincerity  and  equity  of  your  endeavors, to 
conciliate  her  friendfhip,  we  feel  the  inde- 
pendent pride  of  Americans  in  your  digni- 
ty and  firmnefs.  As  we  are  fatisfied  that 
nothing  has  been  wanting  oiryour  part  to 
preferve  to  us  the  blefTings  of  peace  and  fafe- 
ty,  we  prepare  to  meet  with  fortitude  the 
confequences  that  may  follow  the  failure  of 
your  exertions.  Confident  that  our  govern- 
ment has  been  juft  and  impartial  in  her  deal- 
ings with  all  nations,  and  grateful  for  th$ 
happinefs  and  .profperity  we  have  enjoyed 
.under  it  in  the  days  of  tranquillity,  we  do 
not  hcfitate  to  promife  it  our  utmod  aflift- 
.ance  in  the  time. of  difficulty  and  need. 

Prefiding  over  the  counfelsof  your  coun- 
,try  in  a  mod  eventful  crifis,  we  hope  and 
truft  you  will  find  a  fixed  and  energetic  (tip- 
port  in  the  people  of  America.  Permit  us 
-to  congratulate  you  on  the  profpeft  of  una- 


P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 

nimity  that  now  prefents  itfelf  to  the  hope* 
of  every  American,  and  on  the  fpirit  of  in- 
dependent patriotifm  that  is  rapidly  rifing 
into  aftive  exertion—and  to  offer  a  fincere 
prayer  that  while  you  continue  to  ferve 
your  country  with  wifdom  and  fidelity,  you 
may  never  find  her  ungrateful. 


To  the  MAYOR,  ALDERMEN  and  CITIZENS 
of  the  City  of  PHILADELPHIA. 

GENTLEMEN, 

NEVER,  as  I  can  recoiled,  were  any 
clafs  of  my  fellow-citizens  more  welcome  to 
me,  on  any  occafion,  than  the  Mayor,  Al- 
dermen and  Citizens  of  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia upon  this. 

At  a  time,  when  all  the  old  republics  of 
Europe  are  crumbling  into  duft,  and  others 
forming,  whole  deftinies  are  dubious;  when 
the  monarchies  of  the  old  world  are  fome  of 
them  are  fallen,  and  others  trembling -Ho 
their  foundations  ;  when  our  own  infant 
republic  has  fcarcely  had  time  to  cement  its 
ilrength  or  decide  .its  own  practicable  form  ; 
when  thefe  agitations  of  the  human  -fpecies 
have  affected  our  people,  and  produced  a 
:fpirit  of  party  which  fcruples  not  to  go  all 
lengths  of  profligacy,  falfehood  and  malig- 
nity in  defaming  our  government ;  your  ap- 
probation and  confidence  are  to  me  a  great 

conlblatioa. 


ADDRESSES.          191 

confolation.  Under  your  immediate  obfer- 
vation  and  infpe&ion,  the  principal  opera- 
tions of  the  government  are  directed  ;  and 
to  you,  both  characters  and  conduct  muft 
be  intimately  known. 

I  am  but  one  of  the  American  people, 
and  my  fate  and  fortune  rnuft  be  decided 
^with  theirs.  As  far  as  the  forces  of  nature 
may  remain  to  me,  I  will  not  be  wanting  in 
my  duties  to  them,  nor  will  1  harbor  a  fuf- 
picion  that  they  will  fail  to  afford  me  all 
neceffary  aid  and  fupport. 

While,  with  the  greateft  pleafure,  I  recip- 
rocate your  congratulations  on  theprofpect 
-of  unanimity  that  now  prefents  itfelf  to  the 
hopes  of  every  American,  and  on  that  fpirit 
of  patriotifm  and  independence  that  is  rifing 
into  active  exertion  in  opposition  to  (educ- 
tion, domination  and  rapine,  i  offer  a  fin- 
cere  prayer  that  the  citizens  of  Philadelphia 
may  perlevere  in  the  virtuous  courfe  and 
maintain  the  honorable  character  of  their 
anceftors,  and  be  protected  from  every  ca- 
lamity phyfical3  moral  and  political. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


Tc 


PATRIOTIC 

To  the  CITIZENS  of  PHILADELPHIA,  the 
Dijlntt  O/SOUTHWARK,  and 

ERN    LlB.ERTIES. 


MANY  of  the  nations  of  the  earth,  dif- 
gufted  with  their  prefent  governments,  feem 
determined  to  diffolve  them,  without  know- 
ing what  other  -forms  to  fuMitute  in  their 
places.  An  ignorance,  with  all  the  cruel 
intolerance  of  the  mo-ft  bloody  fuperftitions 
that  ever  ha^ve  exifted,  is  impoiing  its  abfurd 
dogmas  by  the  fword,  .without  the  fmalleft 
attention  ta  that  emulation  univerfal  in  the 
human  heart,  which  is  a  great  fpring  of  gen- 
erous aBion  when  wifely  regulated,  but  the 
never-failing  fource  of  anarchy  and  tyranny 
•when  uncontroled  by  the  cqnftitution  of  the 
ilate.  As  the  Uuiied  States  are  a  part  of 
the  fociety  of  mankind,  and  are  clofely  con- 
nected with  feveral  nations  now  ftruggling 
in  arms,  the  7prefent  period  is  indeed  preg- 
nant with  events  of  the  higheft  importance 
.to  their  happincfs  and  fafety. 

In  fach  a  ftate  of  things,  your  implicit 
approbation  of  the  general  fyftem,  and  the 
particular  meafure.s  of  the  government  ; 
your  generous  feelings  of  refentment  at  the 
wrongs  and  offences  committed  againft  it, 
and  at  the  menaces  of  others  ftill  more  in- 
tolerable ;  your  candid  acknowledgment  of 
the  bleffings  you  enjoy  under  its  free  and 

.equal 
•    i  -i 


ADDRESSES. 


195 


equal  conftitution  ;  your  determination  at 
every  hazard  to  maintain  your  freedom  and 
independence,  and  to  fupport  the  mea  Cures 
which  may  be  thought  neceffary  to  Cupport 
the  conititution,  freedom  and  independence 
of  the  United  States  ;  do  you  great  honor 
as  patriots  and  citizens  ;  and  your  commu- 
nication of  thefe  fpirited  femime&ts  to  me, 
deferves  my  befl  thanks, 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT   of  the 

UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

>xT  a  period  fo  intere'fUng  to  the  United 
States,  permit  us  to  believe  that  an  addrefs 
from  the  Youth  of  Philadelphia,  anxious"  to 
preferve  the  honor  and  independence  of 
their  country,  will  not  be  unwelcome  to 
their  chief  magiftrate. 

Actuated  by  the  fame  principles  on  which 
our  forefathers  achieved  their  independ- 
ence, the  recent  attempts  of  a  foreign  power 
to  derogate  from  the  dignity  and  rights  of 
our  country,  awaken  our  Ijvelieft  fenfibili- 
ty,  and  our  ftrongeft  indignation. 

The  Executive  of  the  United  States,  filled 
with  a  fpirit  of  friendfhip  towards  the  whole 
world,  has  reforted  to  every  juft  and  honor- 
able mean  of  conciliating  the  affeQions  of 

the 


PATRIOTIC 

To  the  CITIZENS  of  PHIL ADELPHI A,  the 
Dijlntt  O/SOUTHWARK,  and  theNoRTH.- 

ERN  LIBERTIES. 

j 

'GENTLEMEN', 

MANY  of  the  nations  of  the  earth,  dif- 
gufted  with  their  prefent  governments,  feem 
determined  to  diffolve  them,  without  know- 
ing what  other  -forms  to  iubftitute  in  their 
places.  An  ignorance,  with  all  the  cruel 
intolerance  of  the  moft  bloody  fnperftitions 
that  ever  have  exifted,  is  impofing  its  ablurd 
dogmas  by  the  fword,  without  the  fmalleft 
attention  ta  that  emulation  univerfal  ,in  the 
human  heart,  which  is  a  great  fpring  of  gen- 
erous aBion  when  wifely  regulated,  but  the 
never-failing  fource  of  anarchy  and  tyranny 
•when  uncontroled  by  the  cqnflitution  of  the 
Hate.  As  the  United  States  are  a  part  of 
the  fociety  of  mankind,  and  are  clofely  con- 
-jiefted  with  feveral  nations  now  ftruggling 
-in  arms,  the  ;prefent  period  is  indeed  preg- 
nant with  events  of  the  higheft  importance 
,to  their  happinefs  and  fafety. 

In  fuch  a  ftate  of  things,  your  implicit 
approbation  of  the  general  fyftem,  and  the 
particular  meafures  of  the  government  ; 
your  generous  feelings  of  refentment  at  the 
^wrongs  and  offences  committed  againft  it, 
and  at  the  menaces  of  others  ftill  more  in- 
tolerable ;  your  candid  acknowledgment  of 
the  bleflings  you  enjoy  under  its  free  and  1 


ADDRESSES.          195 

equal  conftitution  ;  your  determination  at 
every  hazard  to  maintain  your  freedom  and 
independence,  and  to  fupport  the  men  lures 
\vhich  may  be  thought  neceffary  to  fupport 
the  conftitution,  freedom  and  independence 
of  the  United  States  ;  do  you  great  honor 
as  patriots  and  citizens  ;  and  your  commu'- 
nication  of  thefe  fpirited  femiments  to  me, 
deferves  my  befl  thanks, 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

«..«.. «.. .flV....lill    I      •"•^y..'^  ,.>..»  ..» ' 

To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT   of  the 

UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

JL\.T  a  period  fo  interesting  to  the  United 
States,  permit  us  to  believe  that  an  addrefs 
from  the  Youth  of  Philadelphia,  anxious"  to 
preferve  the  honor  and  independence  of 
their  country,  will  not  be  unwelcome  to 
their  chief  magiftrate. 

Actuated  by  the  fame  principles  on  which 
our  forefathers  achieved  their  independ- 
ence, the  recent  attempts  of  a  foreign  power 
to  derogate  from  the  dignity  and  rights  of 
our  country,  awaken  our  Ijvelieft  fenflbili- 
ty,  and  our  ftrongeft  indignation. 

TheExecutive  of  the  United  States,  filled 
with  a  fpirit  of  friendfhip  towards  the  whole 
world,  has  reforted  to  every  juft  and  honor- 
able mean  of  conciliating  the  affections  of 

ihe 


198          PATRIOTIC 

not  correfpond  with  my  earned  wiflies,  and 
I  fhould  be  obliged,  to  a£l  with  you, as  with 
your  anceftors,  in  defence  of  the  honor  and 
independence  of  our  country,  I  fincerely 
\vifh  that  none  of  you  may  ever  have  your 
conftancy  of  mind  and  ftrength  of  body  put 
to  fo  fevere  a  trial,  as  to  be  compelled  again 
in  your  advanced  age  to  the  contemplation 
and  near  profpeft,  of  any  war  of  offence  or 
defence. 

It  would  neither  be  confident  with  my 
character,  nor  yours,  on  this  occafion,  to 
read  leffons  to  gentlemen  of  your  education^ 
conduct  and  character;  if,  however.  I  might 
be  indulged  the  privilege  of  a  father,  I 
fhould,  with  the  tendered  affections,  recom- 
mend to  your  ferious  and  conftant  confi der- 
ation, that  fcience  and  morals  are  the  great 
pillars  on  which  this  country  has  been  raifed 
to  its  prefent  population,  opulence  and  prof- 
perky,  and  that  thefe  alone,  can  advance, 
fupport  and  preferve  it. 

Without  wifhing  to  damp  the  ardor  of 
"curiofity,  or  influence  the  freedom  of  in- 
quiry, I  will  hazard  a  prediction  that  after 
thl  Vnbft  indudrious  and  impartial  refearch- 
es,  the  longed  liver  of  you  all,  will  find  no 
principles,  inditutions,  or  fydems  of  educa- 
tion, more  fit,  in  general,  to  be  tranfmitted 
io  your  poderity,  than  thofe  you  have  re- 
ceived from  your  ancedors. 

No 


ADDRESSES.          199 

No  profpeft  or  fpe&acle,  could  excite  a 
ftronger  fenfibiiity  in  ray  boibra,  than  this 
•which  now  prefents  itfelf  before  me.  I  wifh 
you  all  the  pure  joys,  the  fanguine  hopes, 
and  bright  profpecls,  which  are  decent  at 
your  age,  and  that  your  lives  may  be  long, 
honorable  and  profperous,  in  the  conftant 
practice  of  benevolence  to  men,  and  rever- 
ence to  the  Divinity,  in  a  country  perfever- 
ing  in  liberty,  and  increafing  in  virtue, 
power  and  glory. 

The  fentimerrts  of  this  addrefs,  every 
•where  exprefled  in  language  as  chafte  and 
modeft,  as  it  is  elegant  and  malterly,  which, 
would  do  honor  to  the  youth  of  any  coun- 
try, have  raifed  a  monument  to  your  fame, 
more  durable  than  braCs  or  marble. — The 
youth  of  all  America  muft  exult  in  this  early 
fample,  at  the  feat  of  government,  of  their 
talents,  genius  and  virtues. 

America,  and  the  world,  wiJl  look  to  our 
youth,  as  one  of  our  firmeft  bulwarks.  The 
generous  claim  which  you  now  prefent  of 
fharing  in  the  difficulty,  danger  and  glory 
of  our  defence,  is  to  me  and  to  your  coun- 
try, a  fare  and  pleafing  pledge,  that  your 
birth-rights  will  never  be  ignobly  bartered 
or  furrendered  :  But  that  you  will  in  your 
turn,  tranfmit  to  future  generations  the  fair 
inheritance,  obtained  by  the  unconquerable 
fpirit  of  your  fathers.  JQHN  ADAMS. 

From 


P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 

From  the  INHABITANTS  of  the  County  of 
LANCASTER,  to  the  PRESIDENT,  of  the 
UN  i TED  STATES. 
SIR,. 

./xT  this  alarming  crifis  in  our  political  ex* 
iftence,  we  approach  you,  Sir,  to  exprefs 
our  cordial  approbation  of  the  meafures 
adopted  by  the  Executive  for  the  preferva- 
tibn.of  the  neutrality  and  peace  of  our  coun- 
try. The  firm  reliance  we  have  had  on  your 
patriotifm  and  attachment  to  the  genuine 
principles  of  liberty,  as  guaranteed  to  us  by 
our- excellent  conftitution,  is,  if  poflible, 
ftrengthened  and  enlarged  by  a  policy  fo 
congenial  with  the  character  of  the  chief 
magiftrate  of  a  free  people. 

Whatever  may  be  the  realor  imaginary 
pretenfions  of  an  ally  which  derogates  from 
a  ftate  of  amity,  the  diftin&ion  and  honor  of 
the  agg.reffing  nation,  require  an  inveftiga- 
tio'nr  of  the  fuppofed  infractions  of  friend- 
ihip  upon  the  bafis  of  equality  A  demand 
of  a  preliminary  fubmiffion  acknowledging 
the  commiflion  of  an  offence— a  flipulation 
fbr  pecuniary  compenfation  anterior  to  the 
difcuffion  of  the  caufes  of  difcord,  are  de- 
bafements  ofnational  dignity,  totally  incom- 
patible with  the  fovereigrity  and  independr 
ence  of  a  nation. 

Holding',  thefe  to  be  felf-evident  truths^ 
vhich  men  nurfed  in  the  bofom  of  freedom, 

can 


ADDRESSES.          201 

can  by  no  means  permit  to  be  gainfaid — 
we  feel  ourfelves  forcibly  dra\vn  to  acknowl- 
edge to  you,  a-  thankfulnefs  for  the  earneft 
endeavors  you  have  ufed  in  your  diplomatic 
intercourfe  to  cultivate  and  nourifh  harmo- 
ny with  the  French  republic  :  For  the  fin- 
cere,  candid  and  unequivocal  manner  with 
•which  you  have  difplayed  the  fair  and  up- 
right principles  of  the  United  States  in  the 
propofed  negociation  wjth  that  republic  : 
And  for  your  nomination  (as  commiffioners 
to  France)  of  three  of  our  fellow-citizens, 
whole  energy  of  mind  and  love  of  country, 
have  enabled  them  to  refill  terms  of  concil- 
iation degrading  to  the  national  character 
and  -dishonorable  to  the  government.. 

If  unhappily  the  United  States  be  driven 
into  hoftility  by  the  injuftice  and  infatiate 
ambition  of  the  French  republic,  we  truft 
that  that  benign  Being,  whofe  aid  in  our 
keened:  ditirclFes  we  have  fo  frequently  ex- 
perienced, will  again  become  auxiliary  to 
the  arms  of  freemen,  honeftly  contending 
for  the  liberty  and  independence  of  their 
country.  We  a  flu  re  you,  Sir,  for  ourfelves 
personally,  that,  in  furh  a  conflict,  no'con- 
liderations  or  eafe  to  oureffates  or  fafety  to 
our  perfons.  ihall  deter  us  from  the  exertion 
-of  every  power  we  pofiefs  in  the  Support  of 
-government. 

We  fervently  implore  the  Supreme  Dif- 
pofer  of  events,  to  continue  your  health  of 

body, 


PATRIOTIC 

body,  fortitude  of  mind,  and  mature 
dorn,  that  you  may  be  empowered  in  your 
arduous  Ration  to  lead  us  through  thisperiU 
ous  era,  with  honor  to  yourfelf,  and  an  ao 
ceffion  of  glory  to  the  American  name. 


To  the  INHABITANTS  of  the  County 


GENTLEMEN,- 

TH1S  refpeaful  and  afTeaionate  ad- 
drefs,  from  the  wealthy,  induftrious  and 
independent  proprietors  of  the  county  of 
-Lancafler,  is  as  honorable,  as  it  is  agreeable 
to  me,  and  is  reairned  with  my  hearty  thanks. 
The  attention  you  have  given  to  a  de- 
mand of  a  preliminary  fubmiffion,  acknowl- 
edging the  commiffion  of  offence,  requires 
an  ohfervation  on  my  part.-  The  conflitu- 
tion  of  the  United  States  makes  it  my  duty 
to  communicate  to  Cangrefs,  from  time  to 
time,  information  of  the  ftate  of  the  Union, 
and  to  recommend  to  their  confideration, 
meafures  which  appear  to  me  necefiary  or 
expedient.  While  in  difcharge  of  this  duty-, 
I  fubmit,  with  entire  refignation,  tb  the  re- 
fponfibility  eftablifhed  in  the  conftitution, 
I  hold  myfelf  accountable  to  no  crowned 
head*  or  Executive  Dire6k>ry,  or  other  for-- 
eign  power  on  earth,  for  the  communica- 
tions which  my  duty  obliges  me  to  make  ; 
yet  to  you,  my  fellow-citizens,  I  will  freely 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          203 

fay,  that,  in  the  cafe  alluded  to,  the  honor 
done,  the  publicity  and  folemnity  given  to 
the  audience  of  leave,  to  a  difgraced  min- 
ifter,  recalled  in  difpleafure  formifconducl, 
was  a  liudied  infult  to  the  government  of  my 
country. 

-  The  obfervations  made  by  me,  were  mild 
and  moderate,  in  a  degree  far  beyond  what 
the  provocation  wodcLhave  ju-ftified  ;  and 
jf  the  American  people,  or  their  govern- 
ment, could  have  borne  it  without  .refent- 
ment,  offered  as  it  was  in  the  .face  of  all  the 
world,  they  mufl  have  been  fit  to  be  the  trib- 
Aitary  dupes  they  have  fince  been  fo  cooly 
invited  .to  .become. 

As  I  know  not  where  a  better  choice  of 
envoys  could  have  been  made,  I  thank  you 
for  your  approbation  of  their  appointment, 
and  applaufe  of  their  conduct. 

In  return  for  your  prayers,  for  my  health 
and  fortitude,  I  offer  mine  for  the  citizens 
rof  Lancafler  in  particular,  and  the  United 
States  in  general. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


•To  the  P  R  E  s  IP  EN  T  of  the  ,U  N  i  T  E  D  S  r  A  T  E  s  . 
SIR, 

VV  HILE  the  citizens  of  America,  in  ev- 
ery part  of  the  Union,  are  addreffing  yotu 

with 


«04          PATRIOTIC 

•with  expreflions  of  affe&ion  and  tenders  of  , 
their  fervices,  at  this  molt  important  crifis  ; 
we,  the  inhabitants  of  Carlifle  and  its  vicin- 
ity, infpired  by  the  fame  love  of  our  coun- 
try, and  attachment  to  its  beft  interefts,  defire 
alfo  to  exprefs  our  fentiments  refpe&ing  the 
affairs  of  our  nation,  with  becoming  free- 
dom. Inheriting  liberty  as  a  birthright,  and 
rifing  above  the  degrading  fpirit  of  colonial 
dependence,  we  not  only  have  a  character 
already  eftablifhed  as  freemen  and  defenders 
of  our  country,  but  we  are  refolved  to  main- 
lain  that  character  at  every  hazard. 

Under  a  government  of  our  own  choice, 
and  the  aufpices  of  a  wife  and  juft  adminif- 
tration,  we  have  enjoyed  for  a  number  of 
years,  as  great  a  fhare  of  national  profperity 
and  happinefs,  as  has  perhaps  ever  fallen  to 
the  lot  of  any  people.  Having  eftablifhed 
a  free  government,  on  the  folid  baGs  of  the 
general  will,  we  could  not  but  grant  that 
.other  nations  had  a  right  to  regulate  and 
manage  their  own  internal  concerns  in  like 
planner.  In  their  endeavors  to  this  end,  we 
conceived  we  ought  not  to  interfere,  and 
*we  wifhed  to  enjoy  the  bleffings  of  neutral- 
ity and  peace  ;  discharging  at  the  fame  time 
all  the  obligations  we  might  be  under  to  any 
European  power,  with  the  utmoft  good  faith 
and  impartiality. 

The  meaTures  that  have  been  purfucd  by 
the  Executive  from  time  to  time,  to  main 

tain 


ADDRESSES.          205 

tain  fucha  flate  of  things,  and  to  preferve 
us  from  the  evils  of  war  and  national  degra- 
dation, have  met  and  ftill  meet  with  our 
hearty  approbation.  The  appointment  of 
.envoys  extraordinary,  for  the  adjuflment  of 
all  our  differences  with  France,  and  the  am- 
ple powers  with  which  they  were  veiled  for 
this  end,  manifefled  the  fincereft  difpofition 
for  peace  and  juftice,  and  the  happinefs  of 
:both  nations ;  nor  can  we  confider  the  treat- 
ment which  thofe  envoys  have  received,  the 
demands  that  have  been  made  of  us,  and 
the  threats  denounced  againft  us  if  we  will 
not  comply  with  their  willies,  without  feel- 
ing as  Americans  ought  to  feel,  and  refolv- 
ing  that  we  will  cheerfully  concur  in  the 
fupport  of  all  rneafures  which  fhall  appear, 
iieceflary  for  the  national  defence,  and  the 
maintenance  of  that  freedom  and  independ- 
ence which  we  hold  moft  dear. 

While  we  jain  with  you  in  humbly  folicit- 
ing  the  fmiles  of  Divine  Providence  on  our 
national  affairs,  and  the  bleffings  of  genuine 
freedom,  accept,  Sir,  of  our  fincere  prayers 
for  your  perfonal  happinefs. 

To  the  CITIZENS  of  the  Borough  o/" CAR- 
LISLE and  its  vicinity. 
GENTLEMEN, 

NOTHING  could  be  more  obliging 

to  me  or  faithful  to  the  public  than  the  unan- 

S  imous 


so6  PATRIOTIC 

imous  refolutions  arid  addrefs  of  the  citizens 
of  Carlille,  which  have  been  prefented.  to 
me  by  one  of  your  fenators  in  Congrefs, 
Mr.  Bingbam. 

When  you  declare  your  refolution  to 
maintain  your  eftablifhed  character,  as  free- 
men and  members  of  an  independent  nation, 
as  your  birthright,  the  world  will  applaud 
your  wifdom,  as  well  as  -virtue.  When  you 
acknowledge  that  under  a  government  of 
your  choice,  and  the  aufpices  of  a  wife  and 
juft  adminiftration,  you  have  enjoyed  as 
great  a  fhare  of  national  proiperity  and  hap- 
pinefs-,  as  has  perhaps  ever  fallen  to  the  lot 
of  any  people,  you  do  great  honor  to  your 
government.  Neverthelefs,!  prefume  there 
•is  not  a  city  or  a  village  in  the  Sixteen  States 
that  can  contradict  you  :  If  there  "is  one,  I 
•hope  it  will  alfemble  and  declare  it. 

W.hen  you  acknowledge  the  rights  of  na- 
tions to  regulate  their  own  internal  concerns, 
on  the  iolid  bails  of  the  general  will,  you  re- 
cognize one  of  the  higheft  prerogatives  of 
man.  Like  all  other  prerogatives,  howev- 
er, it  ought  always  to  be  exerted  with  wif- 
dom  and  integrity  for  dhe  general  good 
never  for  the  pijrpofes  of  private  ambition, 
party  views  .or  foreign  intrigues. 

When  you  approve  the  meafures  of  the 
general  government,  you  deferve  its  thanks 
•—and  your  feelings  of  the  unworthy  return 

of 


ADDRESSES.          207 

of  infults  and  menaces,  are  the  feelings  of 
nature  approved  by  reafon  and  juftified  by 
the  public  voice. 

In  your  humble  fupplications  for  the 
fmiles  of  Providence  on  our  national  affairs 
and  the  bleffings  of  genuine  freedom,  you 
\vill  be  joined  by  all  good  men.  Your  pray- 
ers for  my  perfonal  happindfs  are  mod  afFe£t- 
ing  to  me. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


from  ^INHABITANTS  of  BERKS  County ,  to 
the  PRESIDENT  oftheUn  IT-ED  STATES. 

SIR, 
r-pi 

1  HE  interefting  crifis  to  which  the  United 
States  are  at  laft  driven  by. the  rapacity, 
wickednefs,  and  ambition  of  the  French 
government,  calls  loudly  and  explicitly  up- 
on us  to  unite  in  defence  of  our  country  ; 
and  by  difplayhig  that  unanimity  to  the 
world,  to  convince  our  enemies,  that  the  peo^ 
pie  are  not  divided  from  their  government. 

There  remains  not  the  leaft  doubt  that 
their  projeQ  of  plundering  this  part  of  the 
globe,  is  very  much  ftrengthened  by  the  fal- 
lacious idea  that  the  Executive  of  the  Uni- 
ted States  hath  contravened  the  wifhes  and 
fentiments  of  the  people  at  large,  in  his  in- 
tercoivrfe  \vkh  foreign  nations. 

To 


208          PATRIOTIC 

To  repel  this  falfe  and  mifchievous  calum- 
ny as  far  as  lies  in  our  power,  by  bearing  a 
public  and  unequivocal  teftimony  in  favor 
of  your  adminiftraiion,  and  efpecially  in  be- 
half of  the  late  attempt  to  negociate  a  treaty 
of  peace  with  the  French  nation,  is  both  our 
motive  and  apology  for  intruding  on  you 
with  this  addrefs. 

v  If  our  fituation  has  Become  in  any  degree 
lerious  or  alarming,  \ve  are  highly  gratified 
in  the  reflection  it  has  not  proceeded  from 
any  want  of  temperate  and  judicious  mea- 
fures,  on  your  part,  to  prevent  it. 

The  relative  conduft  of  the  United  States 
and  of  France,  at  this  eventful  period,  muft 
form  a  flriking  contraft,  in  the  judgment  of 
the  candid  and  difcerning  part  of  mankind ; 
and  hiftory  will  hereafter  be  at  a  lofs  which 
to  admire  molt,  the  impudent  profligacy 
and  exorbitant  demands  of  the  French,  in 
order  to  plunge  us  into  war,  or  the  anxious 
and  unremitted  efforts  of  the  United  States 
to  avoid  it.  While  we  thus  exprefs  our  un- 
referved  approbation  of  the  conduct  of  the 
firft  magistrate,  we  cannot  omit  the  oppor- 
tunity of  declaring,  that  we  have  the  mo  ft 
entire  confidence  in  your  wifdonvintegrity, 
and  political  fortitude  ;  and  that  we  trull, 
by,  the  bleffings  of  Heaven,  upon  the  execu- 
tive and  legiflative  councils  of  our  country, 
aided  by  the  p^triotifm  of  the  people,  we 

(hall 


ADDRESSES.          209 

{hail  be  enabled  to  fupport  our  independ- 
ence, in  defiance  of  an  enemy,  who  not  only 
Jpurns  at  our  minifters  of  peace,  but  openly 
avows  an  intention  of  compelling  us  to  yield 
the  laft  farthing  ;  ifr  in  their  boundlefs  am- 
bition, they  fhall  think. proper  to  afk  it- 


.      To  the  I  N  H  A  B  I  T  A  N  T  S  of  B  £  R  K  S 

GENTLEMEN, 

THE  public  and  unequivocal  teftimo- 
ny  you  offer,  in  favor  of  my  adminiftration, 
efpecially  in  the  late  attempt  to  negotiate  a 
treaty  of  peace  with  the  French  nation,  de- 
ferves  my  thanks. 

I  think  with  you,  that  hiftory  will  hereaf- 
ter be  at  a  lofs  which  to  admire  moft,  the 
anxious  and  unremitted  efforts  of  the  United 
States  to  avoid  war,  or  thofe  of  the  French 
to  plunge  us  into  it. 

Your  approbation  and  confidence  are 
equally  encouraging,  and  I  trull  with  you, 
that  by  the  bleflings  of  Heaven,  on  the  le- 
giilative .  and  executive  councils  of  our 
country,  fupported  by  the  patriotifm  of  the 
people,  we  mall  be  enabled  to  preferve  our 
independence. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

S  2  To 


210          PATRIOTIC 

To  the  PR  E  s  i  D  E  N  T,  the  S  E  N  A  T  E  ,  and  Hoitfe 
of  REPRESENTATIVES  oj  the  UNITED 
STATES. 


a  time  when  the  fituation  of  our  coun- 
try has  become  truly  critical,  the  citizens  of 
Montgomery  county,  feel  it  an  incumbent 
duty  to  join  in  the  general  expreffion  of  re- 
gret that  the  unreafonable  overbearance  of 
a  foreign  nation  fhould  mar  the  peaceful 
happinefs  we  enjoy  under  the  beft  of  gov- 
ernments, and  that  the  honorable  efforts 
\vhich  have  been  made  ufe  of  to  preferve 
our  peace,  fhould  have  failed  of  the  wifhed 
for  fuccefs. 

Under  fuch  circumftances,  permit  us  to 
exprefs  our  fatisfaclion  and  full  confidence 
in  the  cohftituted  authorities  of  our  country, 
and  our  determination  to  fupport  them  in 
the  meafures  which  they  may  find  expedient 
to  adopt  for  the  prefervation  of  the  peace, 
honor  and  independence  of  our  country. 
Whatever  political  fentiments  we  may,  as 
individuals  entertain,  we  truft  that  on  this 
head  there  will  be  but  one  voice,  and  that 
no  previous  predilections  will,  under  any 
circumftances,  induce  us  direclly  or  indi- 
reclly,  to  favor  the  enemies  of  our  country, 
and  of  the  happy  conftitution  and  govern- 
ment under  which  we.  live. 

To 


ADDRESSES.         »** 

TO  the  CITIZENS   O/MONTGOMERY  County.. 
GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  addrefs  to  the  Frefident,  Sen- 
ate and  Honfe  of  Reprefentatives,  has  been 
prefented  to  me  by  your  committee. 

The  general  exprefiions  of  regret  that  the 
unrealizable  overbearance  of  a  foreign  na- 
tion fhould  mar  the  peaceful  happinefs  we 
enjoy  under  the  bell  of  governments,  are 
natural,  but  will  not  (often  the  hearts  of  our 
oppreffors.  It  is  not  in  mortals  by  the  mod 
honorable  efforts,  at  all  times  to  command 
fuccefs  or  preferve  peace. 

The  fatisfa£Uon  and  ftrtl  confidence  you 
exprefs  in  the  conftituted  authorities  of  your 
country,  and  your  determination  to  fupport 
them, 'in  the  meafures  which  they  may  find 
expedient  to  adopt,  for  the  prefervation  of 
the  peace,  honor  and  independence  of  our 
country;  are  confonant  to  the  character  of 
worthy  citizens;  and  thefe  fentiments  are 
rendered, the  more  exemplary,  for  the  refer- 
vation  you  make  of  your  political  fenti- 
ments as  individual*,  and  your  previous 
predilections. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To 


212          P  A  T  R  I  0(T  1  G 

To  His  Excellency  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRE&- 
IDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATES. 

SIR,, 

1  HE  day  fet  apart  by  the  Prefident  of  the 
United  States,  to  implore  the  mercy  and 
benedi&ion  of  Heaven  on  our  .country,  the 
inhabitants  of  Huntingdon  county,  confider 
as  a  proper  occafion  to  exprefs  to  His  Ex- 
cellency the  Prefident  their  fentiments  on 
the  afflictive  and  hazardous  fituation  in 
which  the  United  States  are  placed. 

The' inhabitants  of  this  county  have  con- 
fidered  with  an  attention  its  importance  de- 
manded, the  conduct  of  this  government 
towards  the  French  republic.  And  in  that 
review  they  difcdver  the  mo  ft  fincere  and 
ardent  defire-on  the  part  of  our  government 
to  prefer  vet  a- moft  flfi6t  and'honorable  neu- 
trality with  the. world,  and  to  cultivate  in  an 
efpecial  ,ma.nner,  peace  and  harmony  with 
the  French  nation.  j  . 

Your  inflruclions  to  the  commiffibners  to 
the  French  nation  have  evidenced  a  difpo- 
fitiori  to  renibVe'every  caufe  of  complaint, 
however  groundlefs  and  frivolous,  and  to 
make  faerinVes  (eldom  equalled  in  the  hifto- 
ry  of  a  people  defirous  of  retaining  their 
fovereignty  and  independence.  Thefe  com- 
miffioners  have  not  been  received,  thefe 
overtures  would  not  be  fuifered.  to  be  made 

known. 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          113 

known,  and  it  is  demanded  of  the  American 
people,  to  become  the  tributaries  of  a  for- 
eign nation.  The  people  of  this  country' 
have  been  reprefented  by  our  domeftic  ene- 
mies to  our  foreign  ones,  as  divided  from 
the  government,  as  diffatisfied  with  the  con- 
ftitution,  the  Prefident,  and  the  adminiftra- 
tioh,  and  as  difpofed  to  fu-bmit  cheerfully, 
to  any  irnpofnion  the  interefl  or  ambition 
of  France  might  require.  For  ourfelves 
and  our  country,  and  we  truft  for  our  State, 
we  pronounce  this  to  be  untrue.— Attached 
to  our  conftitution,  confiding  in  the  Prefi- 
dent and  thofe  who  adminider  the  affairs  of 
the  United  States,  we  now  declare  our  mofl 
perfect  reliance  on  our  rulers,  our  moft  de- 
decided  approbation  of  the  mealures  of  our 
public  councils,  and  our  determination  to 
fupport  thefe  councils  and  meafures  at  ev- 
ery rifle. 

Although  we  deprecate  war  as  orve  of  the 
greateft  mifchiefs,  yet  we  confider  fubmif- 
fion  to  the  infolent  and  degrading  terms  held 
out  as  the  price  of  peace,  to  be  one  of  the 
greateft  indignities  that  can  be  offered  to  a 
nation,  and  only  the  wicked  prelude  to  fu- 
ture infults  and  demands. 

The  inhabitants  of  this  county  affnre  you> 
Sir,  that  your  acceffion  to  the  Preiiclential 
chair,  was  the  warmer!  wifh  of  their  hearts, 
and  that  your  adminiftration  has  been  fuch, 

a* 


n6          PATRIOTIC 

The  voice  of  our  fellow-citizens  addreif- 
ed  to  you  from  various  parts  of  the  United 
States,  on  this  momentous  occafion,  affords 
us  a  pleating  confolation  ;  while  it  evinces 
a.  degree  of  union  and  firmnefs  that  may  pre- 
ferve  our  country  from  further  degradation. 

Permit  us  to  exprefs  our  fincere  regret, 
that  every  overture  confident  with  the  dig- 
nity of  our  government,  has  been  tried  in 
vain  for  the  amicable  adjufhnent  of  our  dif- 
ference with  France  and  for  the  attainment 
of  peace.  While  we  reflect,  that  the  inhab- 
itants of  this  place  have  not  been  exempted 
from  the  fevered  fufferings  which  war  in- 
fli£ls,  we  have  reafon  to  appreciate  ihe  blefl- 
ings  of  peace  ;  but  we  can  never  confent  to 
purchale  peace  at  the  expenfe  of  our  na- 
tional honor  and  fovereignty.  With  thefe 
impreffions,  we  do  •  naoft  folemnly  pledge 
.ourfelves  to  the  extent  of  our  abilities  and 
at  the  rifle  of  our  lives,  to  fupport  fuch  mea- 
.fures  as  have  been,  or  may 'be  adopted  by 
the  Executive  of  our  government,  to  pre- 
Ferve  inviolate  our  independence  and  na- 
tional dignity,  and  to  protect  our  civil  and 
religious  rights. 

To  ihe  I  N  H  A B  i T  A H  TS  of  L u  z  E R N  E  County. 

'GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  this  addrefs.  pre- 
fented  to  me  by  your  reprefentative  in 
Congrefs,  Mr.  Sitgreaves. 


ADDRESSES.          ±tf 

The  arts  and  addrefs,  deception  and  fe- 
du£lion  which  have  been  employed  for  ftf 
many  years  to  divide  us,  are  likely  to  end 
in  our  more  perfect  union. 

If  your  experience  of  the  fevereft  fuffer- 
Ings  which  war  infliBs,  cannot  intimidate 
you  to  purchafe  peace  at  the  expenfe  of  na- 
tional honor  and  fovereignty,  there  is  not 
another  place  in  the  United  States  which 
ought  not  to  blufh  at  the  idea. 

The  folemn  pledge  of  yourfelves  at  the 
rifle  of  your  lives,  and  to  .the  extent  of  your 
abilities  to  fupport  the  meafu-res  of  govern- 
ment, to  preferve  inviolate  our  national  dig- 
nity, muft  be  confided  in  by  all  who  know 
any  thing  of  your  hiftor.y. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


From  the  Commiffioncd  OFFICERS  of  the, 
LITIA,  the  TROOP    of  HORSE,  and   the 

''CririziNS    of   WESTMORELAND    GoU1lt$, 

~  to  the  PR^SJDEN^  of  the  UNITED  STATE* 


SIR, 

VV  HEN  the  government  and  exiflence  of 
th-fe  United  States,  as  an  independent  nation, 
are  threatened  by  a  domineering  foreign 
power,  whofe  ambition,  infolence  and  ra- 
pacity are  almoft  unexampled  in  civilized 
T 


ii4          PATRIOTIC 

af>they  expe&ed — -firm  and  dignified,  defir- 
ous  of  preserving  the  peace  of  this  -country, 
yet  determined  in  your  hands  its  honor 
fhould  not  be  tarnifhed,  its  ibvereignty  'di- 
minifhed,  or  its  independence  destroyed. 


To   the   INHABITANTS  of  HUN-.X  ING-DON- 

County. 
GENTLEMEN, 

THE  day  you  fele&ed  to  exprefs  to  me' 
your  fentiments,  on  the  afflictive  and  haz- 
ardous fituation  in  which  the  United  States 
are  placed,  gives  them  a  peculiar  iolemnity. 

When,  on  that  ferioirs  day,  you  declared 
you  difcovered  in  the  conduct  of  govern- 
ment, after  an  attentive  confideration,  the 
moft  fmcere  and  ardent  defire  to  preferve  a 
ftricl  and  honorable  neutrality,  and  to  culti- 
vate, in  an  efpecial  manner,  peace  and  har- 
mony with  the  French  nation,  the  world  will 
entertain  no  doubt  of  your  fincerity. 

Although,  with  you,  I  deprecate^  war, 
yet  I  cannot  but  think  that  there  are  many 
other  mifchiefs  ftiil  greater — a  depravation 
of  general  principle ;  fubmifiion  to  a  reftlefs, 
infidious,  perfidious  foreign' influence;  na- 
tional difhonor  and  difgrace,  are  calamities 
more  deplorable. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 
. 

From 


ADDRESSES.          115 

From th e I N H A B i T AN TS  O/LUZERNE  Coun- 
ty, to  -the  PR  E  si  DINT  of  the  UNITED 
STATES. 

SIR, 

VV  HILE  we  have 'the  utmoft  confidence 
in  the  widom,  integrity  and  abilities  of  thofe 
who  are  conftituti-onally  entrufted  with  the 
management  of  our  national  concerns,  we 
conceived  would  be  improper  to  exprefs 
an  opinion  relative  to  the  meafures  neceCTa- 
ry  to  be  taken  at  this  important  cri(is  in  our 
.public  affairs  :  but  viewing  with  indigna- 
tion, the  unprovoked,  wanton  and  cruel  at- 
tack made  upon  our  national  rights,  by  the 
arbitrary  rulers  of  ^Frartcey 'we  fhould  deem 
ourfelves  unworthy  the  bleffings  we  enjoy 
under  our  free  and  happy  government, 
fhould  we  remain  filent. 

The  repeated  infults  offered  our  govern- 
ment, and  the  continued  depredations  com- 
mitted on  American  property,  by  the  Frenqh 
nation—the  mean  and  degrading  terms  they 
.hold'outjas  the  only  bafis  on  which  they 
will  negociate — and  above  all,  their  bafe  in- 
finuations  that  the  people  of  America  are  fo 
abandoned  that  they  will  tamely  fubmit  to, 
2nd  even  juftify  iuch  outrages  .on  their 
property,  and  fuch  indignities  to  their  g-Qv- 
crnrnent  ;.  are .  fufficient  to  excite  theab:  or- 
rence  and  awaken  the  energy  of  every  true 
American.  '  _, 


218          P  A  T  R  I  0  T  I<C 

• 

times.j  it  appears  to  be  an  important  duty  in 
the  citizens  to  avo.w  their  delegation  of  the 
vile  attempt. 

The  people  of  America  at  fir  ft  viewed  the 
caufe  of  France  with  emotions  of  favorable 
regard  ;  but  the  relative  fituarion  of  their 
rountry,  and  the  \vifh  of  .cultivating  peace 
•jvith  all  mankind,  coinciding  \vitri  that  ftate 
of  neutrality  'which  -they  owed  to  other  al- 
lies and  friendly  powers  jn  Europe,  deter- 
ipined  their  Executive,  at  an  early  period  of 
die  corned,  to  adopt  an  impartial  conducl, 
of  which  norte  could  j-uftly  complain'.  That 
policy  has  uniformly  met  with  the  approba- 
tion of  the  legislature,  and  received  the  con- 
eurrence  of  all  good  and  well  informed 
citizens.  This  moderation  on  the  part  of 
the  government?  the  fupplies  afforded  by 
.them  to  France  and  her  colonies  at  critical 
.periods,  and  the  general  approbation  by  the 
citizens,  who  on  many  occafions  favored  her 
caufe,  have,  iincc  the  intoxication  produced 
by  conqueil:,  been  returned  with  depreda- 
tions, injuries  and  infults,  without  the  colour 
of  right  or  rational  excufe.  It  is.no  fmall 
fatisfaclion,  however,  to  obferve  that  all  the 
perfidious  machinations  of  the  rulers  in'  that 
country,  to  fow  divifipns  among  thejpeople 
of  this,  and  to  induce  diiirud  of  their  own 
adminiflration,  have  only  contributed  to 
cement  the  union,  and  call  forth  the  cxprei- 
vfion  of  that  indeper; dent  and  manly  fpirit  to 

oppole 


A  D  D  &  E  S  S  '£  1 


219 


oppofe  their  enemies,  without  which  the 
name  of  liberty  -is  but  a  del  ufive  found. 

Your  fervices,  Sir,  in  the  caufe  of  your 
country,  in  fpite  of  all  that  calumny  could 
devife  to  ciift  a  veil  over  them,  have  placed 
you  in  the  diftinguifhed  ftation  you  no\v 
Ivoicl.  Your  "experience  has  fuffi'cient.ly 
taugnt  you'that  malice  and  injuflice  will  ever 
exert  their  rage  againft  their  oppofite  Vir- 
tues-; but  that  Providence,  ever  j  lift  and 
righteous,  though  his  \va^s  may  not  be  tra- 
ced, finally  crowns  -with  his  blefling  the  pa- 
triotic efforts  of  thofe  who  ileadily  puriue 
•the  public  weal.  Tlvatyotr,  and  all  to  whom 
•the'  functions  cVf  authority  ih  ihefe  Unhed 
States  are'commiited,  may  be  ii"rtmoveablein 
\tliat  purfuk,  and  that  your  .labors'  may  meet 
with  the  decided  countenance  and  fupport 
of  all  true  Americans,  to  the  confufion  of 
their  open'  as  well  as  private  enemies,-  is  the 
iince.re  hope  and  defire  of  a  general  meeting 
of  the  commiflioned  officers  of  the  militia  of 
Weftmoreland  county,  of  the  troop  of  horfe, 
and  of  a  numerous  affemblage  of  citizens, 
at  Greenfburgh,  on  the  anniverfary  of  the 
independence  of  the  United  States. 

They  alfo  beg^  leave  to  add  the  affurance 
of  their  refpeft  for  your  official  character, 
and  bed  wifhes  for  your  individual  welfare; 
as  well  as  of  their  determination  to  oppofe 
the  enemies  of  their  government  and  coun- 
try in  every  feape.  ~, 


220          P  A  T  R  T!  O  T  I  C 

To  ike  Ccmmiffioned  O  F  r  i  c  E  R  s  of  the  M  1  1.  r 
TI  A,  the  TROOP  of  HORSE,  and  the  Cix- 

Of  WESTMORELAND 


CENTLEMEN, 

I  RECEIVE,  with  peculiar  pleafure> 
this  addrefs  from  Weftmoreland  county, 
which  has  been  prefented  to  me  by  Mr. 
Sitgreaves. 

It  is.  not  furprifing  that  the  people  of 
America,  at  firft,  viewed  the  caufe  of  France 
with  favorable  regards  ;  a  coniiderable  por- 
tion of  Europe  felt  the  fame  emotions,  and 
awful  indeed  have  been  the  calamities 
brought  on  feveral  nations  by  the  deception. 
Let  us  learn  wifdom  by  their  misfortunes  ! 

Our  fyftem  of  neutrality  was  di8ated  by 
prudence,  juftice  and  humanity;  .it  has  been 
continued  until  we  were  forced  out  of  it  by 
iuch  treatment  as  never  was  before  offered 
by  one  nation  to  another,  and  patiently 
borne. 

The  intoxication  produced  by  conqueft, 
was  never  more  extravagant.  It  has  open- 
ed the  eyes  of  the  difTenters,  the  republicans, 
and  even  the  oppofition  in  England.'  :  It  is 
a  high  fatisfaclion  to  obferve,  that  all  the 
perfidious  machinations  to  fow  divifions 
among  the  people  of  this  country,  and  to 
induce  a  diftruil  of  their  own  adminiflra- 
tion;  have  contributed  to  cernent  the  union, 

and 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          221 

and  call  forth  the  expreilion  of  an  independ- 
ent and  manly  fpirit. 

The  obliging  manner  in  which  you  are 
plea-fed  to  take  notice  of  my  fervices,  de- 
mands my  thanks  ;  and  I  return  your  kind 
wifhes  for  my  individual  welfare,  with  great 
fincerity. 

JOHN  ADAMS'. 

" 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITE'D  STATES. 

SIR, 
- 

./xT  a  time  when  the  minds  of  men  are  fo 
intoxica.ted.with  ideas  of  reform,  and  vifion- 
ary  fch  ernes,  for  meliorating  the  condition  of 
humanity  j  as  to  be  fatally  inattentive  to  their 
own  iecurity,  and  regardleis  of  confidera- 
tions  jwhic-h  have  hitherto  been  deemed  the 
molt  facred  and  obligatory  ;  there  may  be 
a  propriety  in  .the  declaration  of  fentiments, 
which,  in  more  fettled  times,  might  at  lealt 
be  thought  fuperfluous,.  From  the  gener- 
ality alfo  of  the  practice  of  expreffing  ap- 
probation of  the  meafures  of  government, 
at  the  prefent  crifis,  motives  might  be  at- 
tached to  the  o.milfion.of  it,  lefs  honorable 
than  a  difinclination  to  intrude  upon  the 
managers  of  the  public  concerns,  or  a  reluc- 
tance to  fuppofe  that,  in  the  refifiance  of 
outrage  and  maintenance  of  national  inde- 
pendence, they  would  not  receive  the  fup- 
T  2  port 


222  PATRIOTIC 

port  of  the  virtuous  and  unprejudiced  part, 
of  the  community. 

Under  thefe  impreffions,  \ve,  the  fubfcri- 
bers,  inhabitants  of  the  borough  of  Harrif- 
burgh,  beg  leave  to  declare,  that  we  are  too 
highly  fenfible  of  the  profperity  we  enjoyr 
to  be  willing  to  relinquifh  it  without  an  ef- 
fort for  its  prefervation  ;  and  that,  in  our 
\viflies  for  the  happinefs  of  others,  we  have 
not  loft  fight  of  our  country  and  ourfelves., 
— That,  in  our  opinion,  the  conduct  and 
defigns  of  the  French  republic  (fcarcely 
aggravated  or  made  more  apparent  by  the 
profligacy  of  their  avowal)  are  fuch  as  to* 
produce  alarm  and  indignation  in  every 
breaft  which  feels  for  the  hanor  and  happi- 
nefs of  America,  and  to  excite  the  ap-pre- 
henlions  of  every  man,  of  whatever  nation 
or  country,  who  may  place  a  fenfe  of  juftice, 
morality,  and  piety,  among  the  ornaments 
of  his  nature  and  the  bleffings  of  fociety—*-- 
That,.  under  this  perfuafion,  we  hold  it  wife 
to  be  prepared  for  every  event,  and  fliali 
therefore  mod  cheerfully  acquiefce  in  fuch 
meafures  of  defence9  as  may  be  adopted  by 
you,  Sir,  and  the  other  branches  of  the 
adniiniftration,  at  Che  prefent  momentous 
period.  And  as  your  paft  conduct  has  in- 
variably commanded  the  refpeft  and  appro^ 
bation  of  every  ingenuous  mind,  fo  we  have 
the  moft  perfecl  reliance  that,  in  future,  it 
\yili  continue  to  be  influenced  by  the  pureft. 

motives 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          2*3; 

motives  and  cleared  perceptions  of  the  pub- 
lic good. 

We  beg  you  to  accept  our  cordial  wifhes 
for  your  perfonal  welfare  and  happinefs. 


To     the     INHABITANTS    of    tke    B-OYOU^k    of 
H  ARRIS  'B 


YOUR  addrefs  bas  been  prefented  to 
me  by  Mr.  Hartley,  Mr.  Sitgreaves,  and 
Mr.  Hanna,  three  of  your  reprefentative^ 
in  Congrefs* 

I  kno^  not  which  to  admire  moft,  the 
concifenefs,  the  energy,  the  elegance,  or 
profound  wifdom  of  this  excellent  addrefs. 

Ideas  of  reformation,  and  fchemes  for  me- 
liorating the  condition  of  humanity,  fiiould 
not  be  difcouraged,  when  propofed  with  rea- 
fon  arid  purfued  with  rnoderajfcion  ;  but  the 
rage  for  innovation,  which  deftroys  every 
thing  becaufe  it  Ls  ellablifhed,  and  introdu- 
ces abfufdities,  the  moft  monftrous,  merely 
becaufe  they  are  new  ;  was  never  carried  to 
fuch  a  pitch  of  madtiefs  in  any  age  of  the 
world,  as  in  this  latter  end  of  the  boafted 
eighteenth  century,  and  never  produced  ef- 
fecls  fo  horrible  upon  fuffering  humanity. 

Among  all  the  appearances,  portentous 
ef  evil,  there  is  none  more  incomprehenfible 

-    than. 


224          PATRIOTIC 

f 

than  the  profeflions  of  republican! fm  among 
thof'e  who  place  not  a  fenfe  of  juftice,  mo-- 
rality,  or  piety,  among  the  ornaments  of 
their  nature  and  the  bleflings  of  foeiety-. 
As  nothing  is  more  certain  and  demonftra- 
ble  than  that  free  rep ublicanifm  cannot  exiffc 
without  thefe  ornaments  .and  bleflings,  the 
tendency  of  the  times  is  rapid  towards  a 
reftoration  of  the.petty  military  defpotifms 
of  the  feudal  anarchy,  and  by  their  means  a 
return  to  the  favage  (late  of  barbarous  life. 

How  can  the  prefs  prevent  this,  when  all 
the  prefTes  of  a  nation,  and  indeed  of  many 
nations  at  once,  are  fubjecl  to  an  imprima- 
tur, by  a  veto  upon  pain  of  conflagration, 
banifhment,  or  confifcation  ? 

That  America  may  have  the  glory  of  an- 
refting  this  torrent  of  error,  vice  and  impof- 
ture,  is  my  fervent  wifh  ;  and  if  fentiments-, 
as  great  as  thofe  from  Harrifburgh,  fhouid 
be  found  univerlaily  to  prevail,  as  I  doubt 
not  they  will,  my  hopes  will  be  as  fanguine 
as  my  wilh.es, 

JOHN   ADAMSv 


From- 


.     • 


A  D  D<R  E;S  §  E  S.          225 

From  the  PEOPLE  of  PoTi's/TowN  arid  its 
-vicinity?  in  MONTGOMERY  Countv^  to 
JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT;  of  thJe 
UNITED  STATES. 

SIR,  ^V, 

VVE  have  been  accuftomed  to  obferve  ii> 
filence,  though  not  with  indifference,  thofb 
political  occurrences  which  affecl  the  hap- 
pinefs  and  profperity  of  bur  country.  The 
-prefent  eventful  crifrs,  however,  impofes  on 
us  a  new  duty,  and  we  comply  with  its  ob- 
ligation wkh  cheerfulrieCs  in  expreffing  to 
you,  the  firft  officer  of  our  government, 
thofe  fentiments  with  which  we  are  at  prei- 
ent  aftuated. 

We  afTure  you,  therefore,  that  we  have 
cordially  approved  of  the  firm,  yet  temper- 
ate fyftem  adopted  by  the  Executive  in  its 
intercourfe  with  the  government  of  'the 
French  republic.  With  anxious  folicitude 
we  have  awaited  the  event  of  thefe  overtures 
dictated  by  a  fpirit  of  dignified  forbearance, 
and  condu&ed  with  the  firmnefs  of  con- 
fcious  integrity,  which  have  been  made  with 
a  view  to  an  amicable  adjuftment  of  the 
differences  between  the  two  countries. — 
But,  Sir,  though  we  defired  an  adjuftment 
upon  terms  compatible  with  the  honor  and 
dignity  of  the  United  States,  upon  thofe 
terms  only,  we  defired  it,  and  we  havq.feeiv 

with 


426  PATRIOTIC 

with  inexpreffible  indignation,  the  infamous 
attempts  which  have  been  made  upon  the 
integrity  of  our  government,  by  threatening 
the  peace  and  happangfs  of  our  country, 
unlefs  preferved  at  the  price  of  national  de- 
gradation. 

With  the  virtuous  fpirit*  therefore,  of 
republicans,  we.  join,  we  truft,,jthe  general 
voice,  in  rejecting  with  di-fda-in  the  ignomiu- 
•ious  alternative  ;  refolved  to  preferve  invi- 
olate, at  -the -facrifice,  if  neceffkryj of  prop- 
.erty  and  life,  the  honor  and  independence 
tiff  oiw.  country,, and  to  leave  them  unfulliedj 
a  facred  depofit  with  our  :pofterity. 

While  a  review  of  the  meafures  of  your 
adminiftration  impreffes  us  with  a  fenfe  of 
your  wiidom  and  firmnefs,  it  infpires  us  -with 
a  confidence  that  you  will  notfurrender  any 
of  the  rights  of  the  nation,  and  that  its  in- 
terefl  and  happinefs  will  dill  continue  the 
objecl  of  your  meritorious  exenions. 


To  the  PEOPLE  of  POTT'S  TOWN  and  its  vi> 

cin ity,  in  the  County  of  M  o  N  T G  o  M E,  R  Y . 

GENTLEMEN, 

WE  live  in  times,  when  it  is  almoft  im- 
poflible  to  obferve  with  indifference,  or  in 
filence,  thofe  political  occurrences,  which 
affecl  the  happinefs.  and  profperity  of  our 
country^. 

The 


ADDRESSES.          $27 

The  cordial  approbation  and  refpeft  you 
avow  of  the  firm  ,and  temperate  fyftem, 
adopted  by  the  executive  authority  of  goy- 
vernment,  in  its  intercourfe  with  the  gov- 
ernment of'  the  French  republic.  j.s  very 
fetisfaclory  :  You  de fired  an  adjiiflment 
upon  tqrms  compatible  with  the  honor  and 
dignity  of  the  United  States,  and  upon  thefe 
terms  only  :  You  have  feen,  with  inexpref- 
fible  indignation,  the  .infamous  attempts 
\\hich  have  been  made,  upon  the  integrity 
of  our  government,  by  threatening  the  peace 
and  happinefs  of  your  country,  unlefs  pre- 
-Jerved  at  the  pri.ce  of. national  degradation  : 
You  relblve  to  preferve  inviolate,  at  the 
Sacrifice  of, life  and  property,  the  honor  and 
independence  of  your  country,  and  to  leave 
them  unfullied,  a  facred  depofit  -with  pof- 
terity  :  and  in  declaring  thefe  fentiments  tQ 
-the  world,  you  have  deierved  well  of  your 
.country. 

•  Your  confidence  that  I  will  not  furrender 
the  rights 'of  the  nation,  fhal!  not  be  betray- 
ed :  If  -the  nation  were  capable;of  fuch  a 
Surrender,  which  it  is  not,  ,-fome  other  hand 
muft  affix  the  fignature  to  the  ignominious 
:dced. 

JOHN  ADAMS, 

cw  ,:>v":fi:-:o^ 


P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 

To  the  PRESIDEN  T  of  the  UN  ITF.D  STATES. 
SIR, 

VvE  the  fubfcribers  being  a  joint  com- 
mittee on  the  part  of  refpe&able  meetings 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  towns  of  Sunbury 
and  Northumberland,  and  the  vicinities 
thereof,  holden  for  the  purpofe  of  expreffing 
their  fentiments  of  the  meafures  purfued  by 
our  government,  with  refpecl.  to  France, 
and  to  declare  to  you  their  unanimous  de- 
termination to  fupport  all  the  conflituted 
authorities  of  the  United  States  ;  beg  leave 
to  obferve,  that  although  among  the  laft  to 
addrefs  you  at  this  important  era  of  our  na- 
tional independence,  yet  not  the  lead  af- 
fe&ionate.  Uninfluenced  and  almoft  unac- 
quainted with  the  common  forms  u fed  .on 
occafions  of  this  kind,  \ve  mail  fpeak  the 
language  of  our'heartvS,  in  the  flyleaf  a  free 
people  to  their  firlt  ma  gift  rate,  and  affure 
you,  that  it  is  with  admiration  and  pleafure 
we  have  beheld  your  conduct  fince  called 
/to  the  important  office  you  now  fill,  evide'n- 
cing.  the  ilrongeil  attachment  to  the  intereft 
of  your  fellow-citizens,  by  refilling  with  a 
iirmnefs  and  dignity  becoming  the  father  of 
freemen,  the  intrigues  of  an  artful  and  per- 
fidious nation,  tending  as  we  conceive,  not 
only  to  in vol veils  in  war,  but  to  the  dellruc- 
tion  of  that  government  whofe  falutary  reg- 
ulations we  experience  as  daily  bleflings. 


ADDRESSES.     ^ 

We  cannot  but  lament  as  men,  and  as 
citizens,  that  a  nation,  once  the  friend  and 
ally  of  America,  once  her  fupporter  in  the 
hour  of  danger,  fh'puld  be  fo  changed  and 
fallen  ;  at  a  time  when  (he  declared  to  the 
-world  that  her  objecl  was  to  eftablifh  a  free 
government,  fhe  had  our  warmed  wifhes 
for  fuccefs  ;  but  we  view  her  now  as  a  na^ 
lion  whofe  predominant  paffion  is  power, 
trampling  on  all  thofe  principles  which  af- 
fimilate  man  to  his  Maker,  boldly  attempt- 
ing to  colonize  the  world  and  render  every 
part  of  it  fubfervient  to  her  views  !  We  fee 
her  in  faft  as  a  Mount  ^Etna,  cafting  from 
her,  principles  which  have  a  tendency  to 
confume  religion,  virtue  and  liberty.  Her 
treatment  to  this  country,  we  conceive  is 
unparalleled  in  the  hiilory  of  civilized  na- 
tions ;  /lie  has  wantonly  committed  depre- 
dations on,  our. commerce,  and  almoft  de- 
•ftroyed  our  trade,without  caufe,and  without 
provocation  ;  her  complaints  of  the  treaty, 
nsade  between  Great  Britain  and  this  coun- 
'try,  we  conficjer  as  the  wicked  pretence  for 
.plunder  and  piracy.  ,  -  .^  . 

.  When  we  reflect  on  the  wifdom,  inildnefs, 
and  prudence  which  have  marked  every  ftep 
taken  by  you,  as  the  head  of  our  govern- 
ment, to  effecl;  an  amicable  adjuflraent  of 
all  differences,  and  to  obtain  a  re  com  pen  fc 
•for  the  injuries  our  fellow-citizens  have  fuf- 
tained,  our  hearts  glow  with  love  and  alfec- 
U  tiott 


130          PATRIOTIC 

tion  for  you,  while  they  burn  with  i&dig-ra- 
tion  'at  the  treatment  received  from  the 
French  government  :— It  is  with  pleafure 
that  .we  allure  you  that  the  publication  of 
your  mftructions  to  our  envoys,  and  their 
difpatches,  have  been  attended  with  the  hap- 
pielt  effects;,  all  the  refp'eSabie  yeomanry 
of  our  country  are, now  united  in  the  {up- 
port  of  our  government  aiid  its  meafures. 
-We  teiider  our  fervkes  and  purfes  to  our 
government,  to  fupport  ;t  in  any  fyftem  of 
defence  it  may  think  proper  to  adopt.  We 
are  attached  to  peace,  but  it  is  the  peace  of 
freemen,] and  we  fh udder  at  the  idea  of  fa- 
crifking  our  independence  for  the  permif- 
fion  of  any, nation  on  earth,  to  remain  in 
.quietude  on  our  farms. 

Our  fincereft  wifhes  for  your  health,  and 
"happinefs,  attend  you  ;  and  we  pray  the  great 
Difpofer  of  human  events  to  continue  to 
bleis  and  endow  you  with  wifdom  and  forti- 
tude to  govern  us,  in  this  hour  of  difficulty. 

To  the  INHABITANTS  of  the  Towns  cf  S  u  N.- 

BURY  and  NOKTHUMBERLAND,(3W^ 't/ldr 

vicimty. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  HAVE  received  from  the  hand  of 
Colonel  Hubley,  your  addrefs,  by  your 
committee. 

Wheii 


A  D  D  R  E  SS  £  S. 

When  you  obferve,  that,  although 
the  laft  to  addrefs  me,  at  this  important  crt- 
fis,  you  are  not  the  leaft  affectionate  ;  when 
you  affure  me  it  is  with  pleafure  you  have 
beheld  my  condu&,  fince  called  to  the  im- 
,runt  office  I  .now  hold,  evidencing  ibe 
ftrongeft  attachment  to  the  intereft  of  my 
fellow-citizens,  becoming  the  father  of  free- 
d<  >ifu re  me,  that  your  hearts 

glow  with  love  and  affection  for  me,  while 
they  burn  lignation  at  the  treatment 

rccci\  a  the  French  government. — 

•j  touch  the  tender  fenfibiiities  of  u>y 
heart,  and  excite  my  warmeft  gratitude* 

I  wifh  it  were  in  my  power  to  foften  the 
colours  of  your  pi8ure  of  thofe  who  injure 
and  inluk  us. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the 
UNITED  STATES  of  AMERICA. 

si^'y;      ^^ff^f^f 

ON  the  birth-day  of  the  United  States, 
and  at  an  era  the  molt  interefting  that  has 
occurred  fince  their  existence  as  a  nation, 
the  Pennfylvania  State  Society  of  the  Cin- 
cinnati defire  moft  refpe&fully  to  congratu- 
late and  addrefs  you.  .  ^ 

As  a  portion  of  that  band,  whofe  bed  ef- 
forts were  employed  to  eftaWifh  the  fover- 

eignty 


PAT  R  I  O  T  I  C 

4eignty  and  independence  of  our  country, 
we  come,  in  the  moment  of  impending  hof- 
tility,  to  offer  the  remnant  of  our  lives  to 
defend  them. 

The  rights  and  privileges  of  America 
were  not  purchafed  with  the  beft  blood  of 
her  citizens,  to  be  inglorioufly  furrcndcred 
on  the  requifition  of  a -foreign  power. 

No,  Sir,  the  fpirit  which  procured,  fur- 
vives  to  proteft  them — And  we  rejoice  to 
behold  that  fpirit  pre-eminently  difplayed 
in  the  firm,  virtuous  and  dignified  conduct 
of  the  federal  chief  magiftrate.  Our  citi- 
zens of  all  ages  are  emulous  of  this  illuftrious 
example ;  the  exertions  of  our  youth  declare 
that  they  have  not  degenerated,  and  afford 
an  unqueftionable  affur'ance  that  their  -noble 
inheritance  will  be  preferved  unimpaired^ 
and  tranfmitted  inviolate  to  .pofterity. 

The  government  of  France,  abandoning 
every  principle  on  which  their  revolution 
was  predicated,  has  exhibited  a  fpirit  of  def- 
potifm  unexampled  in  thehiflory  of  nations. 

After  perpetrating  the  moft  unprovoked 
and  unjuflifiable  wrongs  againft  the  people 
of  the  United  States,  their  rulers  have  re- 
jecled  the  reiterated  advances 'of  our  gov- 
ernment towards  an  explanation  of  differ- 
ences ;  they  have  fpurned  our  meflengers  of 
peace,  and  they  have  fuperadded  infult  ta 
injury3  in  the  exadion  of  an  ignominious 

tribute 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          233 

tribute,  which  they  hoped  to  extort  by  bafe 
intrigue,  or. to  enforce  by  imperious  menace. 

As  Americans,  and  as  men, having  a  com- 
mon intereft  in  the  welfare  of  the  world,  we 
rejoice  that  thefe  outrages  againft  its  happi- 
nefs  have  been  refitted., 

To  theprudenoer  moderation  and  liberal- 
ity of  thofe  meafures  of  your  adminirlration, 
Sir,  which  we  are  convinced  were  fincerely 
directed  to  the  attainment  of  .an  honorable 
peace,  we  render  the  approbation  of  citizens 
who  juftly  appreciate  that  deferable  pofition. 
To  your  vigilance  and  virtue,  which  have 
detecled  and  repel.led. the  attempts  of  ava- 
rice and  ambition,  on  the  part  of  the  French 
government,  againft  the  United  States,  we 
offer  the  tribute  of  an  higher  applaufe.  We 
defire  to  exprefs  the  efteem  and  gratitude  of 
citizens,  who  hold  every  confideration  as 
fecondary  to  the  fovereignty  and  independ- 
ence of  our  country — for  the  maintenance 
of  which,  and  in  fupport  of  every  meafure 
of  our  government  that  may  be  deemed  ne- 
ceifary  to  protect  the  perfons,  privileges  and 
property  of  our  citizens,  we  do  hereby 
pledge  to  you  the  folemn  affurance  of  our 
utmoft  exertions. 

Us  To 


234          PATRIOTIC 

To  the  PENNSYLVANIA  STATE  SOCIETY 
of  the  CINCINNATI. 

GENTLEMEN, 

THIS  refpeclful  add  reft,  from  gentle- 
men of  your  long  experience,  high'  rank,  and 
authority  in  fociety,  and  eminent  fervices  to 
the  Cation,  does  me  great  honor. 
1  On  ihe  return  of  this  aufpicious  anniver- 
fary  at  an  era  the  moft  intereftlrig,  I  beg 
leave  to  reciprocate  your  kind  congratula- 
tions— the  fundamental  and  immutable  prin- 
ciples of  your  fociety,  requiring  an  inceffant 
attention  to  -preferve  inviolate  tho-fe  rights 
and  liberties  of  human  -nature,  for  which 
you  have  fought  and  bled,  and  an  unaltera- 
ble determination  to  promote  and  cherifh 
between  the  refpeftive  States  that  union  and 
national  honor  ib  effentially  neceffary  to 
their  happinefs,  and  the  dignity  of  the  Ame- 
rican republic,  were  never  more  indifpenfa- 
ble  in  all  clafles  of  citizens,  or  becoming 
your  characters,  than  at  this  time — as  a  por- 
tion of  that  band,  whole  efforts  were  employ- 
ed to  eftablifli  the  fove-reignty  of  the  United 
States,  you,  who  have  enjoyed  the  work  of 
your  Own  arms,  and  the  fruits  of  a  righteous 
and  glorious  war,  muft  have  viewed  with 
inexpreffible  pleafure,  the  increafing  prof- 
perity  and  greatnefs  of  your  country.  You 
inuft  now  fee,  your  tranquillity  disturbed, 
and  your  independence  threatened,  with  in- 
dignation 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  £  S.          235: 

dignation  and  contempt  —  the  fpirit  which 
firft  afferted  the  fovereignty  of  this  country, 
iurvives  to  maintain  it,  and  your  acknowl- 
edgment of  fome  remaining  portion  of  that 
fpirit  in  the  federal  chief  magiftrate,  is  very 
honorable  to  him. 

As  it  is  but  too  manifeft  that  unlawful 
depredations  on  our  commerce  will  i>e  con- 
tinued, as  long  as  it  fliall  remain  unprotect- 
ed, fo  it  is  equally  clear  that  all  ,hopes  of 
accommodation  are  at  an  end,  until  iyou  and 
your  aflbciates  throughout  the  Union,  at  the 
h,ead  of  the  rifing  generation,  \vho  are  wor- 
thy to  fucceed  you,  thall  have  drawn  yowir 
fwords,.  once  more  in  the  caufe  of  your 
country,  and  defended  its  jufl  rights  and 
ibvereignty  by  y<Qur  utmoft  exertions-,^  1, 

I  pray  you  to  accept  of  my  befl  wimes 
for  your  health  and  long  life,  ai>d  that  your 
latter  days  may  be  crowned  with  laurelsj'as 
unfading  as.  the  former. 

JOHN  ADAMS.. 


' 

To  ike.  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

1  HE  fludents  of  Dickinfon  College,  af- 
iembled  again  after  the  ufual  vacation,  em- 
brace the  earlieft  opportunity  of  making  a 
public  and  explicit  declaration  of  their  i'en- 

timcnts 


236          P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I   e 

timents   and    refolutions    at  this  important 
crifis. 

Believing  that  unanimity  is  of  infinite  im- 
portance to  the  citizens  of  thefe  States,  and 
that  the  mod  unequivocal  proofs. of  fuch 
unanimity  mould  be  now  given  by  the  citi- 
zens'at  large  ;  we,  the  pupils  of  a  Tem-inary, 
in  which  we  are  taught  highly  to  prize  our 
own  government  and  all  the  bleffings  of  lib- 
erty and  law,  feel  it  our  indifpenfable  duty 
to  call  in  cvur  mite  into  the  trea fury  of  pub- 
lic fentiments.. 

It  cannot  be  fdppofed  that  youths  of  our 
ftanding  can  be  deeply  Verfed  in  political 
difquifitions  ; — yet  we  know  what  liberty 
means  ;  we  can  in  fome  meafure  eftimate 
the  importance  of  national  dignity  *a.nd  inde- 
pendence ;  and  we  cannot  be  ignorant  of 
fafts  which  are  known  to  all  the  world. 

We  are'fenfiblcthat  we  live  under  one  of 
the  mo  ft  free  and  happy  governments  that 
has' ever  exifted- ;  and  we  alfo  know,  that 
we  are  indebted,  under  the  fmiles  of  Heav- 
en, to  the  virtue  and  patriotifm  of  our  fath- 
ers, for  the  bleffings  ,we  enjoy.  We  truft 
that  we  inherit  their  fpirit,  and  fhall  always 
imitate  their  noble  example. 

Confiding  in  the  wifdom  and  integrity  of 
our  rulers,  and  trufting  that  their  aim  has 
ever  been  to  preferve  this  country  from  any 
participation  in  the  convulfions  of  Europe, 

we 


ADDRESSES. 

jV-e  joi-n  with  our  fellow-citizens  in  approv- 
ing and  applauding  the  meafures  that  have 
been  purfued  to  maintain  a  (late  of  neutrali- 
ty and  peace. 

But  what  do  we  hear, — proclaimed  by  the 
higheft  authority  ?'• — That  a  nation,  whom 
we  were  taught  from  our  earlieft  years  to 
call  our  friends,  intoxicated  with  their  vic- 
tories, and  apparently  grafping  at  univerfal 
empire,  fays,  '  We  fhall  no  longer  be  a  neu- 
tral power  ;  that  we  rnuft  retraci  our  com- 
plaints of  their  hoftile  meafures  and  become 
in  fa£t  their  tributaries,  before  they  will  ad- 
mit our  envoys  to  an  audience.'  Such  lan- 
guage and  demands  cannot  fail  to  roufe  the 
indignant  fpirit  of  Americans,  and  create  an 
indilfoluble  union  of  all^  both  old  and 
young,  in  the  common  caufe.  The  yield- 
ing of  a  fingle  point,  in  obedience  to  unjuft 
"and  imperious  requifitions,  wouM,  in  our 
opinion,  be  to  furrender  our  independence  : 
— for  a  tame  fubrnifiion  to  one  intuit  would 
only  invite  a  repetition  ;  till  we  fliould  at 
length  become  a  moft  degraded  people,  ari-d 
our  name,  as  a  nation,  be  blotted  from  the 
records  of  time. 

While  fuch  terms  of  peace  and  reconcil- 
iation are  urged  by  the  mini'lei  of  France, 
the  organ  of  the  Dire&'oYy,  as  appear  to  our 
.government  to  be  inadmiilible,  and  the  dep- 
redations on  our  commerce  flill  continue 

and 


2g«          PATRIOTIC 

and  riHcreafe,  we  conceive  that  to  neglect 
the  means  of  felf-defence,  would  be  higfhty 
criminal/and  evidence  a  moil  abjeft.fpirit. 
If  there  be  any  among  us  who  wou'd  dill 
plead  the  caufe  of  France,  and  attempt  to 
paralyfe  the  efforts  of  our  government,  they 
ought  to  be  elteemed  our  greateil  enemies. 

For  our  part,  we  rejecl  with  abhorrence 
every  idea  of  fubmiffion  to  the  wil-1  of  a  for- 
eign power,  and  fhall  cheerfully  leave  the 
pleafing  walks  of  fcience,  when  the  voice  of 
our  country  calls,  to  repel  every  attack  up- 
on our  rights,  liberty  and  independence. 

To"you,  Sir,  we  look  up  with  confidence, 
as  the  patron  of  fcience,  liberty  and  religion ; 
rejoicing  to  find  that  in  every  thing  which 
flows  from  your  pen,  you  confider  ihefe  as 
.the"  choiceft' "bleflings  of  humanity,  which 
have  .  an  ihfeparable  union,  and  without 
whofe  joint  influence  no  fociety  can  be 
great,  fiourifh'irig  and  happy. 

While  we  ardently  pray  that  the  Ameri- 
can1 republic  may  always  rifefuperior  to  her 
enemies,  and  tranfmit  the  pure  principles  of 
liberty  to  the  lateft  ages,  we  join  at  the  fame 
time,  with  the  millions  of  America,  in  be- 
feeching  Heaven  to  beflow  its  choicer!  blefT- 
ings  on  our  beloved  Prefident. 

To 


ADDRESSES.          239, 

• 

To  ^STUDENTS  C/DICKINSON  COLLEGE/ 
GENTLEMEN, 

'I  HAVE  received  from  the  hand  of 
one  of  your  fenators  in  Congrefs,  Mr.  Bing- 
ham,  your  public  and  explicit  declaration 
of  your  fentirnents  and  refolutions,  at  this 
important  crifis,  in  ah  excellent  addrefs. 

'  .Although  it  ought  not  to  be  Tuppofed, 
that  young  gentlemen  of  your  {landing 
jhould  be  deeply  verfed  in. political  difqui- 
fitions,  becaufe  your  time  has  been  occupied 
in  the  purfuit  of  the  elements  of  fcience  and 
literature  in  general,  yet  the  feelings  of"  na- 
ture are  a  fure  guide  in  circumftances  like 
tne  prefent.  1  need  not,  however,  make 
this' apology, for  you  ;  few  addreiTe's,if  any, 
have  appeared,  more  cprred  in  principle, 
better  arranged  and  digefted,  more  decent 
and-  moderate,  better  reafoned  and  fupport- 
ed.  or  more  full,  explicit  and  determined. 

Since  the  date  of  your  addrefs,  a  frefh  in- 
flance  of  the  prefent  fpirit  of  a  nation,  or 
its'  government,  whom  you  have  beeri  taugh't 
to  call  your  friends,  has 'beeri  made  public  : 
.two  of  your  envoys  have  been  ordered  out 
of  the  republic-— -Why  ?  anfwer  this  for 
yourfelves  n>y  young  friends.  A  third  has 
been  permitted  or  compelled -to-  remain — 
:'Why  ?  to  treat  of  loans,  as  preliminary  to 
•  an  audience,  as  the  French  government  un- 
it—  to  wait  for  further  orders,  as 

your 


PATRIOTIC 

your  envoy  conceives.  Has  any  fovereign 
of  Europe  ever  dictated  to  your  country 
the  per (bn  fhe  fhould  fend  as  ambafTador  ? 
Did  the  monarchy  of  France,  or  any  other 
country,  ever  a  flu  me  fuch  a  dictatorial  pow- 
er over  the  fovereignty  of  your  country  ? 
Is  the  republic  of  the  United  States  of  Ame- 
rica, a  fief  of  the  republic  of  France  ?  It  is 
a  queftion.  whether  even  an  equitable  trea- 
ty, under  fuch  circumftances  of  indecency, 
infolence  and  tyranny,  ought  ever  to  be 
ratified  by  an  independent  nation — there  is 
however,  no  probability  of  any  treaty,  to 
bring  this  quefiion  to  a  decifion. 

If  there  are  any  who  flill  plead  the  caufc 
of  France,  and  attempt  to  paralyfe  the  ef- 
forts of  your  government,  I  agree  with  you, 
they  ought  to  be  efteemed  our  greateft  ene- 
mies. I  hope  that  none  oF  you,  but  fuch 
as  feel  a  natural  genius  and,  difpofition  to 
martial  exercife  and  exertions,  will  ever  be 
.called  from  the  p  leafing  walks  of  fcience,  to 
repel  any  attack  upon  your  rights,  liberties 
and  independence. 

:•  When  you  look  up  to  me, with  confidence, 
as  the  patron  of Tcience.-liberty  and  religion, 
you  melt  my  heart.  Thefeare  the  choiceil 
.bie flings  of  humanity — -they  have  an  infepa- 
rabie  union  ;  without  their  joint  influence, 
no  ibciety  can  be  great,  RouriuYing  or  happy. 

While 


ADDRESSES.          241 

While  1  ardently  pray  that  the  American 
republic  may  always  rife  fuperior  to  her  en- 
emies, and  tranfmit  the  pureft  principles  a£ 
liberty  to  the  lateft  ages,  I  befeech  Heaven 
to  beftow  its  choiceft  bleffings  on  the  gov- 
ernors and  (Indents  of  your  college,  and  all 
other  feminaries  of  learning  in  America. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


DELAWARE, 

*».<£>  »0~<J>"> 

To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  U  N  i  T  E  D  S  T  A  T  E  s  * 

SIR, 

A.  .NUMBER  of  the  Officers,  of  the  Mili- 
tia of  Newcaitle  county,  in  the  State  of  Dei- 
aware,  impreffed  with  the  importance  of  the 
prefent  crifis  of  public  affairs,  to  the  happi- 
nefs  and  independence  of  the  United  States  ; 
and.  conceiving  that  the  unjufl  and  imperi- 
ous conduct  of  the  republic  of  France  tow-. 
ard  America,  has  been  di6lated  in  a  greai 
".njeafure  by  the  unfounded  mifreprelenta- 
lions  of  her  own  agents,  and  fome  mifguided 
and  deluded  citizens  of  this  country,  that 
the  people  and  the  government  were  divided 
#nd  oppofed  to  each  other;  we  feel  our- 
rfelves  con  [trained  by  every  confideration  of 
duty  tp'  the  conftituted  authorities,  to  our- 
ielves,  and  to  our  country,  to  repel  the  in- 
W  finuatiou 


34*          PATRIOTIC 

finuation  which  thus  attempts  to   difho.nor 
the  American  character. 

Appreciating  with  due  eflimation,  the  ad- 
vantages of  neutrality  and -.the  bleffings  of 
peace,  we -have  beheld  with  pleafure  and 
entire  falisfa8ion  yaur  earheM'  and  repeated 
endeavors,  and  thofe  of  your  predcceffbr, 
.to  preferve  this  defirable  pofition  ;  and  we 
have  feen  with  equal  regret,  that  the  anxious 
advances  of  our  government  to  a  reftoration 
of  harmony;  with,  the  French  .republic,  have 
been  received  with  contemptuous  difregard 
on  their  part ;  and  at  the  moment  when  ne- 
-gociatio.n  ought  to  have  produced  redrefs, 
aggreffion  has  been  increafed,  and  further 
depredations  authorized,  under  the  vain 
hope  of  -inducing  a  compliance  with  -the 
•wretched  demands  of  avarice  and  corrup- 
tion. 

Little  does  France  underhand  the  Ame- 
rican character  in  fuppofing  we  are  to  be 
frightened  into -mean  compliances,  by  hold- 
ing up  to  our  view  her  dependent  allies,  a 
degraded  Genoa,  or  a  difmembered  Venice. 
The  picture  raifes  juft  indignation  in  the 
minds  of  freemen,  and  will  ftimulate  their 

exertions  to  avoid  a  fimilar  fate. 

„ 

With  pain  do  we  difcover  in  the  infancy 
.of  the   French  government,  pretending  to 
be  a   free  republic,  and   founded  upon  the 
rights  of  man,  the  evidence  of  an  adive  cor- 
ruption 


ADDRESSES. 

yuption  that  would  degrade  the  moft  profli- 
gate tyranny  —  Fortunate  for  America  !  the 
ocean  feparates  her  from  this  feat  of  conta- 
gion, whofe  influence  is  deftruclive  of  all- 
morals  —  and  long  may  fhe  enjoy  under 
your  prudent  and  wife  adminiftration,  that 
happi-niefs  and  profperity  which  is  the  reward 
-fof  public  -virtue'  and'  integrity. 

Be  afFured,  Sir,  of  our  grateful  approba- 
tion of  the  conduct  heretofore  purfued  by 
'you,  to  preferve  peace  and  friendmip  with 
foreign  powers  ;  and  our  confidence  in  the 
'Avifdom  and  patriot!  fm  of  every  branch  of 
The  government  ;  and  we'  pledge  ourfelv'es 
as  citizens  a'rrdr  foldiers,  firmly  to  fiipport 
thofe  meafures  which  may  hereafter  be 
-thought  neceflFary  to  fecure  the  conftitution, 
freedom  and  independence  of  the  United 
States. 

«••  <••  «•  «^>—  <l^SST>  ••••<  J>«  ••»  ••»  ••» 

:T0  the  OFFICERS  of  the  M  i  L  i  T  i  A  of  N  E  w- 
CASTLE  County. 


}r;fr;.YQaR  a'ddrefs,  which  has  been  pre- 
feilted  to  mej  in  your  behalf,  'by  ^our  fena- 
tors  and  reprefentatives  in  Congrefs,  expreff- 
es  fentiments  and  refolutions,  well  becoming 
the  characters  of  Officers  of  the  Militia,  the 
-object  of  whofe  infthution  is,  the  mainten- 
ance. and  feairity  of  the  cohflitution,  free- 
dom and,  independence  of  their  country. 

The 


*44  PATRIOTIC 

The  unjuft  and  imperious  concluci  of  a 
majority  of  the  French  Directory  .toward 
America,  may  have  been  .dictated. 'by  mif- 
reprefentations  of  their  own  agents,  and  of 
deluded  Americans;  but  there  is  too  much 
reafon  to  believe  that  an  unbounded  ambi- 
tion for  univerfal  empire,  and  an  infatiable 
avarice  of  money,  united  with  the  delirium 
of  victory,  and  a  fanguine  confidence  that 
they  are,  at  lead  for  a  time,  the  matters  of 
the  world,  Have  dictated  their  infufferable 
arrogance,  trampling  alike  on  their  own 
confiitution,  and  the  rights-  of  their  people  ; 
on  the  law  of  nations.and  the  faith  of  treaties. 

It  is  indeed  an  awful  consideration,  that 
at  a  time  when  a  great  part  of  Europe  ap- 
pears difpofed  to  adopt  republican  govern- 
ments, a  corruption  mould  appear,  which 
never  was  exhibited  before,  by  the  moil  ah- 
folute  monarchies,  or  completed  defpotifms. 

It  fhould  feem  that  fraud  and  force,  were 
to  be  the  only  meafure  of  right  and  wrong  : 
— This  fyftem  muft  foon  be  changed,  or 
fcience,  arts,  virtue,  liberty  and  peace,  muft 
be  banifhed,  and  a  favage  barbarity  fubfti- 
tuted  in  their  places. 

America  is  of  too  much  importance  to  the 
world,  for  the  purpofes  of  wealth  and  pow- 
er, to  leave  her  the  fmalleft  hope  of  efca- 
ping,  without  her  own  determined  exertions, 
the  contagion  of  the  general  diftemper. 

Your 


A  D  D  K  E  S  S  E  S.         245 

Your  approbation  and  kind  wifhes  are 
received  with  gratitude^  and  returned  with 
fincerhy.  JQHN  ADAMS> 

«~« ^-<==fi>-<».V. 

To  the  'PRESIDENT  of  ^UNITED  STATES. 

SIR, 

WlTH  a  folicitude  equal  to  the  import- 
ant and  interefting  crifis  which  at  this' time 
agitates  the  public  mind,  added  to  a  mod 
fincere  defire  to  convince  the  world,  that  no 
domeftic  divifions,  or  foreign  machinations, 
aimed  at  the  independence  of  our  country, 
or  intended  to  commit  its  honor,  can  ever 
fucceed  ;  we,  the  inhabitants  of  Kent  coun- 
ty, in  the  State  "of  Delaware,  convened  at 
Dover,  beg  leave  to  convey  to  you  our  moft 
fincere  and  entire  approbation  of  the  wife, 
firm  and  conciliatory  meafures  you  have 
purfued  to  fecure  the  bleffings  of  peace,  and 
to  preferve  urifullied  and  undiminifhed  the 
fafety,  honor  and  independence  of  the  Uni- 
ted States. 

As  the  conflitutional  organ  of  the  United 
States,  to  fettle  and  adjuft  differences  with 
foreign  nations,  we  feel  no  hcfitatibn  in  de- 
claring what  we  firmly,  believe,  that  you 
have  clone  every  thing  to  reftore  harmony, 
and  continue  the  tranquillity  of  our  coun- 
try, that  wifdom,  policy  and  p^triotifm  could 
poffibly  eflTea. 

W  2  Under 


PATRIOTIC 

Under  this  view  of  your  adminiflradon, 
much  as  we  deprecate  the  calamities  of  war, 
yet  when  national  difgrace  and  a  tame  fub- 
miflion  to  the  moftimmeafurable  infults  and 
aggreffions  on  the  part  of  the  French  repub- 
lic, become  the. only  alternative,  w>e  can 
fafely  offer  you 'our  moft  unqualified  affur- 
ances, — that  as  Americans  who  underftand 
the  blcflings  of  liberty  and  a  good  govern- 
ment,  we  (hail  never  hefitate  a  moment  in. 
our  choice.  To  avert  thefe  evils,  we  are 
forry  to  find  that  the  mofl  falutary  meafures 
which  wifdom  and  fincerity  could  prefcribe, 
have  not  only  been  fruftrated  and  difregard- 
ed,  but  infultingly  repelled  and  defeated  by 
the  bafeft  attempts  to  extort  from  our  coun- 
try, even  without  a  profped  of  retribution 
immenfe  fums  of  money. 

In  every  event.  Sir,  convinced  of  your 
wifdom,  energy  and  patriotifm,  we  not  only 
engage  our  utmolt  fupport  in  the  meafures 
'which  government  may  ultimately  adopt  ; 
but  in  cafe  of  an  unavoidable  appeal  to  arms, 
we  pledge  ourfelves  to  ftand  in  conftant 
readinefs,  firmly  to  oppofe,  at  all  hazards, 
every  enemy,  whom  either  a  miflaken  poli- 
cy, luft  of  dominion,  or  love  of  plunder, 
may  induce  to  violate  our  rights,  or  in  any 
.manner  to  invade  the  peace,  liberty  or  in- 
dependence of  our  country. 

That  the  Ruler  of  the  univerfe  may  guide 
and  protect  the  councils  and  government  of 

the 


ADORES.  SE  S.          247 

the  United  States,  and  long  prefefve  your 
valuable  life,  is  the  fincere  prayer  of  our 

hearts. 


To  the  CITIZENS  of  KENT  CciCnty. 
GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  refolutlons  and  addrefs  unani- 
moufly  adopted  at  Dover,  have  been  pre- 
fented  to  me  by-  one  of  your  fenators  in 
Congrefs,  Mr.  Latimer,  and  by  yourrepre- 
fentative,,  Mr.  Bayard. 

I  thank  you  for  your  fincere  and  entire 
approbation  of  the  meafures  purfued  to  fe- 
cure  th,e  bleffings  of  peace,  and  to  prcferve 
unfuljiedand  undiminifhed  the  fafety,  honor 
and  independence  of  the  United  States.  01 

Americans  who  know  that  the  bleffings 
of  liberty,  and  a  good  government  can  nev- 
er be  enjoyed  under  national  difgrace,  and 
a  tame  fubm-iflion  to  the  moft  immeafurabk 
infults  and  aggrefTions,  can  never  hefitate  a 
moment  in  their  choice  of  meafures. 

When  you  engage  your  utmoft  fupport, 
to  the  meafures  which  government  may  ul- 
timately adopt,  againft  the  miflaken  policy, 
luft  of  dominion,  or  love  of  plunder,  which 
may  violate  our  rights,  or  invade  the  peace, 
liberty  and  independence  of  our  countrv, 
you  give  every  affu  ranee  which  the  govern- 
ment can  defire. 

That 


PATRIOT  I'C 

That  fupreme  wifdom  may  guide,  and 
Divine  power  protect  the  councils-  and  arms' 
of  the  United  States,  and  long  prefer v-e  and 
profper  the  citizens  of  K:ent,  is  the  prayer  of 

J.OHN,  ADAMS. 


To   JOHN   AQAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the 

U  N  I  T  E  D  -  S  T  A  T  E  S   OJ,  A  M  E  R  I  C  A . 
SIR, 

CONVINCED  of  yourfolicitude  for  the 
honor,  independence  and  happinefs1  of  the 
United  States,  and  of  the  juftice  of  your' 
adminiftration  toward  foreign  nations,  the' 
Grand  Jury  of  the  county  of  SurTex,  in  the 
State  of  Delaware,  at  this  important  crifis 
d-eem  it  a  duty,  to: allure  you  of  their  perfect 
confidence  in  the  wifdom  and  moderation 
of  your  councils,  and  of  their  entire  appro- 
bation of  the  honeft  zeal  you  have  difpiay- 
e.d,  to  accommodate  the  differences  between 
this  country  and  the  republic  of  France. 
A.nd  they  doubt  not  that  the,  fame  patriotic 
principles  which  haveacluated  you  to  perfe- 
vere  in  your  endeavors  to  preferve  an  hon- 
orable peace  to  your  country. ,  will,  when  the 
oecafion  fliall  require^  animate  you  to  de- 
fe.nd  with  firmn-cfs  and  vigor  thofe  rights,  of 
which,  the  constitution  and  laws  have  made 
you  the  guardian. 

They 


ADDRESSES.          249 

They  pray  God  that  thefe  States  may  be 
ftill  favored  with  his  greateft  bleffing  ;  but 
mould  all  your  attempt-s  prove  ineffectual, 
they  truft  they  will  not  be  wanting  in  yield- 
ing every  poffible  fupport  to  their  country 
in  the  hour  of  danger. 

However  they  may  heretofore  have  dif- 
fered in  mere  fpeculative  opinions-*  yet,  Sir, 
they  are  .unanimous  in  declaring  their  fixed 
determination  to  fupport  an  achninid  ration 
which  has  given  entire  fatisfaclion,  and 
which  they  verily  believe  poileffes  the  ef- 
te,em  and  .refpeft  of  the  great  body  of  the 
people, 

•      ''''•T'k'"-";,'"''"*!^    H\    'f'i''         ' 

•To  the  G  R  A  N  D  J  u  R  Y  of  the  County  ofS  u  s-s  E  ?f. 

GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  handfome  addrefs,  which  has 
been  prefented  to1  me,  demonft rates  your  at- 
tachment to  your  country,  and  is  a  fenfible 
gratification  to  me. 

If,  as  you  believe,  my  adminifiration  has 
.given  entire  fatisfaction,  one  of  the  moll  ar- 
dent wifhes  of  my  heart  will  be  fatisficd,  and 
.as  your  obliging  affurance  of  it  is  the  high- 
•efi  reward  in  your  power  to  beftow  upon 
me,  it  receives  my  entire  thanks. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

•  i     .  i 

MARY- 


250          PATRIOTIC 

M  A  R  Y  L  A  N  D. 


The  ADDRESS  and  M  E  MORTAL  of-  the'  C  i  T- 

I  Z  ENS   0/  B  A  L  T  I'M  O  R  £  3  <7W  J  B  A  L  f  I  M  O  R  E 

County,  to  the.  PR.ESI'DEN  r.  the  SENATE, 

ffttd  -t'/l  £   H'Qllfc  fl/RfiPRESENTAT  IV  i  S   O/ 

the  UNITED  STATES,  — 
RESPECTFULLY  SHEWETH, 

1  HAT  your  memorial  ifls  at  this  import- 
•ant  and  eventful  crifis,  when  a  foreign  na- 
tion equally  reg'ardlels  of  the  faith  of  trea- 
ties and  the  law  of  nations,  has  menaced 
with  deftru&Ton  the  freedom  and  independ- 
ence of  the  United  States,  and  reprefented 
the  citizens  thereof  to  be  a  divided  people, 
feel  themfelves  impelled  by  confederations 
of  duty  and  love  to  their  country^  to  exprefs 
their  fentiments  and  declare  their  determi- 
nation to  fupport  the  eonftituted  authorities. 

Your  memorialifts  highly  applaud  the  wife 
and  liberal  meafures  purfued  by  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States,  for  the  adjuft- 
ment  of  all  difTer€nces5:and  reft  oration?  'of 
harmony  between  this  country  :)a!nd  the 
French  republic  ;  meafures,  ;  which,  in  their 
opinion,  had  for  their  object  the  preferva- 
tion  of  peace,  the  faith  of  treaties,  and  the 
welfare  of  the  United  States.  It  is  with  re- 
.gret  we  learn^  that  thefe  advances  to  peace 

have 


A  D  D  <R  E  ."S  S  E  S. 

have  been  wantonly  rejected,  and  our  en. 
voys  not  only  denied  an  audience,  but  treats 
ed  with  the  moft  marked  contempt.  A  con- 
duel:  like  this>  fails  not  to  excite  a  fpi'rift  of 
indignation  ;  'and  although  warrnly*attached 
to  peace  and:  its  xortlequent  bleffings,  we 
cannot,  for  a  moment  hefitate  in  making  our 
election  between  freedom  and  fervile  fub- 
miflipn  to  a  foreign  power. 

Having  the  fulled  confidence  m'the  ,'wif- 
dom  of  our  government,  we  fubmit  to  their 
confideration  the  hece'llity  of  placing  our 
country  in  a  ftate  of  defence,  and  protecting 
bur  commerce  ;  and  truil  that  in. -the  adop- 
tion of  fuch  meafures  as  :found  policy  may 
. dictate,  the  corifideratioh  of  rejcpenfe.  and 
-temporaiy  inconvenience,  re ful ting:  from 
the  interruption  of  peace,  will  not  be  cx>n- 
iidered  of  fuch  .magnitude,  as  to  be  placed 
in  competition  with  the  fovereignty  and 
freedom  of  the  United  States,  whole  exift- 
ence  is  fo .. unjuftly  threatened. 

To  the  C  i  T  i  z  E  N  s  ^/BALTIMORE  and  B  A  L- 

TIMOR  E    Coidlty.- 
GENTLEMEN, 

I   THANK   you    for   communicating 
•to  me  this  refpedful  addrefs. 

The  fenfe  you  entertain  of  the   conduct 
of  a  foreign  nation,  in  threatening  with  de- 

lUuclion, 


P  A  T  RIO  T  1  C 

Uru&ion,  the  freedom  and  independence  of 
the  United  States,  and  reprefenting  the  citi- 
zens of  America  as  a  divided  people,  is  fuch 
as  patriot!  fm,  naturally  and  neceflarily  in- 
fpires— The  fate  of  every  republic  in  Eu- 
rope however,  from  Poland  to  Geneva,  has 
given  too  much  caufe  for  fuch  thoughts  and 
projects  in  our  enemies,  and  fuch  appreheri- 
lions  in  our  friends  and  ourfelVes. 

Republics  are  always  divided  in  opinions 
concerning  forms  of  governments,  and  plans 
and  details  of  adminiftration— thefe  divi- 
iions  are  generally  harmlefs,  often  falutary 
.and  feldom  very  hurtful,  except  when  for- 
eign nations  interfere,  and  by  their  arts  and 
-agents  excite  and  .ferment  them  into  parties 
and  factions  :  fuch  interference  and  influ- 
ence muft  be  refilled  and  exterminated,  or 
it  will  end  'in  America,  as  it  did  anciently 
an  Greece,  and  in  our  own  time  in  Europe, 
in  our  total  deftru6lion,  as  a  republican  gov- 
ernment, and  independent  power. 

The  liberal  applaufe  you  beftaw  on  the 
rrjeafures  purfued  by  the  government,  for 
the  adjuftment  of  differences,  and  reftora- 
tion  of  harmony,  your  refolutions  of  refift- 
ance  in  preference  to  fubmiflion  to  any 
foreign  power  ;  your  confidence  in  the  gov- 
ernment, your  recommendation  of  meafurcs 
-of  defence  of  the  country  and  protection 
of  its  commerce,  and  your  generous  refolu- 

tioa 


A  D  D  £  E  S  S  £  &         253 

tion  to  fubmit  to  the  expenfes  and  temporary 
inconveniencies  which  may  be  neceftary  to 
preferve  the  fovereignty  and  freedom  of  the 
United  States,  are  received  with  much  re- 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


from,  the  GRAND    LODGE   of  TREE   MA- 
soiws^o  •  J/w  Excellency  JOHN  ADAMS, 
!    .PRESIDENT  o/  Me  UNIT.E.D-  STATES. 

SIR, 

ALTHOUGH  it  is  a  maxim  of  the  Ma- 
flbnic  fraternity,  and  \vhich  is  moft  religioul- 
;jy  adhered  to,  never  to  interfere  in  political 
lubjecls  -?  yet  if  .thqre  ever  was  a  feafoo 
\vhich  could  juftify  a  deviation  from  this 
maxim,  the  prefent  is  that  feafon  ;  and  we 
ihould  deem  ourfelves  culpable,  at  this  mo- 
ment, when  the  dangers  of  war  threaten  our 
country  ;  at  this  mt)ment,when  the  virulent 
and  mercenary  voice  of  party  is  employee!' 
to  reprefent  our  inftitution  as  inimical  to 
the  fecurity,  not  only  of  regular  -govern-. 
ment,  but  even  of  Divine  religion  ;  did  we 
not  ftep  forward  publickly  and  explicitly  to 
declare  our  fentirhents  of  public  meafures, 
and  our  determination  to  iupport  with  our 
lives  thofe  fentiments  in  the  iflue. 

u  In  the  State,  a  Mafpn  is  to  behave  as  a 

peaceable  and  dutiful  fubjeB.1'  —  :This,  Sir, 

X  (  is 


P  A  T  R.I  O   T  I'  C 

is  our  great  and  only  political  principle"; 
and  among  the  fir  ft  leifons  wl  nil-are  taught 
on  our  entrance  i.mo;a  Mu{<i;;u:  JLodu<.-,  is, 
fubuYilflpn  ito  the  J.aw^and:  coniliiufediau- 
thorities  of  the  country  in  which  we  refide, 
—He  is  no  longer  considered  as  a  brother, 
who,  in  his  character  of  a  Mafon,  connives 
at  the  fubverfion  of  cither. 

With  fuch  a  principle,  and  under  fuch  a 
govcrnment-as  ours,  what  .mull  be'  our  fen- 
1 1 me nts-  \vhen  v^e  fee  that  government  and 
its  rcprefentatives  treated  with  a  feries  of 
the  moft  degrading  and  infiipportabie  i:.fults 
which  the  .»\ergrown  pride' of  a  foreign  na- 
tion.can  muhiply  u])oii  it  and  them  ?  Taught 
to  cdimate-  men  and  things  by  the  noble  and 
unvarying'llandard  of  injpartial  jiiftic'^'wh'at 
imift  be  our  feelings  when  we  behold  the 
property  of  our  fellow-citizens  feized  and 
confifcated  by  the  lawlefs  hand  of  a  preda- 
tory power,  difdaining  any  other  pretext 
than  that  whic'h  arms  furnifh  for  its  jufiifi- 
catibn  ?  When  we  thus  witnefs  every  right 
of  neutrality  and  commerce'  violated,  and 
the  wide  extent  of  ocean  converted  into  a 
mart  for  piracy  and  plunder,  aggravated  by 
circumftances  of  the  moft  unparalleled  atro- 
city .;  when  we  fum  up  the  immenfe  cata- 
logue of  injuries,  which  we  have  fuftained 
from  the  French  nation  ;  what  our  fenfations 
muft  be,  we  leave  you.  Sir,  to  judge.  Lan- 
guage is  inadequate  to  define  them  !  To 

vour 


&  S  D  'R  E  S  S  E  S.         255 

own  breaft  we  appeal  :  there  you  will 
find  our  fentiments  deeply  written,  in  the 
chara&ers  of  f>a'trk3£ifm.  fidelity  and  honor. 

Strongly  inclined,'  f  four  the-  tenets  of  our 
fraternal  ih'ftii.ution,  to  peace  and  good  utv- 
derftanding  with  all  the  "World,  we  depreca- 
ted war  Co  long  a;s:  we  had  any  hope  of  its 
being  poffiblle  to  av'OJd  it,  confifbemly--wilh~ 
the  reipeft  due  to  our  'own  national  charac- 
ter.! We  havb  feen,  we  'admire  and  app'aud 
t  li  e  !  ho  rrorab  1  e  and  d  i  g  •  1  1  i  ft  e  d  m  ea  n  g\  w  h  i  ch 
yon  h'itvc  uirceafrngly,  though  unfuccefsftilly 
pursued,  to  render  this  hope  productive  ; 
"but  we  now  fear  it;  is  no  longer  -ft>  be  irtdulg- 
:ed,  a^n^  'a»ne  'prepared  for  tire1  w-orft  that  'may 
leiii'uc.n^oj  <'  it!t>i/c>H 


As  citizens,  we  love,  reverence,  and  will, 
to  the  extent  of  the  means  we  are  capable  of 
employing;  fupport  the  conftitu'tiori  which 
fecures  the  liberty  of  our  country.  To  do 

•Jo-is  a  duty—  is  a  virtue  :  and  the1  obje6t  of 
mafonry  is,  tor  confirm  ,  not  to  deltroy,  a 

,  virtuous  .'.principle—  to  encourage-  its  vota- 

•riesriiti-trle.pra8;ice  of;  the  focial  as  well  as 
the  moral  duties,  not  to  render  them  refrac- 

ItDiy  to  either,  Mafonry,,  therefore,  teach- 
es urs  to  love  our  country  .  'A  nd.  though  we 
may  view  war  as  full  -of  horrors,  yet  an  age 
of  warfare  does  not  appear  fo  horrid  as  one 
moment  of  peace,  purchafed  by  the  furren- 
der  of  independence.  We  only  wait  the 

fignal.-- 


256          P  A  T  RIO  T  I  G 

lignal. — The  flandard  of  our  nation  once 
unfurled,  our  lives*  with  thole  of  our  fellow 
citizens,  {ball  form  a  barrier  to  .defend  it. 

Permit  us  to  offer  you  our  moil  fincere 
congratulations  on  an  occafion  the  moft  in- 
re  retting  to  Americans.  We  again  behold 
oar  WASHINGTON  !  the  glory  of  his  coun- 
try—the  boaftjthe  honor  of  our  fociety  and  of 
mankind— relinquifhing, in  old  age, the  tran- 
quil Icene  !  Summoned  .by  the  voice  of  his 
country,  we  again  behold  the  hero  and  the 
patriot  willing  and  forward  to  facrifice  his 
private  eafe  for  her  fafety  !  What  heart 
can  be  fo  cold— -what  heart  can  fo  languidly 
move,  as, not.  to  beat  high  and  ftrong  at  the 
thought  of  being  once  more  commanded 
by  that  brightelt  ornament  of  the  .human 
character,  our  true,  our  beloved  brother, 
GEOP  G E  WASH  i  N GTON  ! — The  name  alone 
will  form  a  fure  defence  ! 

Accept,  Sir,  our  grateful  thanks  for  thofe 
patriotic  exertions  in  fupport  of  the  inde- 
pendence and  the  honor  of  our  nation, 
which  we  have  uniformly  witneffed  from 
you  ;  while  we  breathe  to  Heaven  the  fer- 
vent prayer,  that  the  j on-mortal  Architect  of 
the  univerfe,  the  great  Difpenierof  the  fate 
of  nations^may  long  enable  you  to  continue 
them. 

Te 


'A  DC^E-S'*  &  8.          25-7 
To  the  FREE  MASONS  o/*Me  State  of  M  A.UV* 


LAND.- 
GENTLEMEN, 


?   I  TH-ANK  you  for  tliis  generous  and: 
noble  addrefs. 

-3TO,i  ,  i-r    i  •       T 

The  zeal  you  dilplay  to  vindicate  your 
fociety  from  the  imputations  and  fufpicions 
pF,  being  "  inimical  to   regular  government 
and   Divine   religion,",  is    greatly    to    your 
honor.      It  has   been   an   opinion  of   many 
_confi  derate   men,  as  long  .as  I  can  remem- 
b'er^  that  v  your   fociety  might,  in  iome  time 
*  or  other,  be   made  an  indrument  oi'  danger 
diforder  to^  the  world.      Its  ancient  ex- 


"fiflenc^^ahd  univerfal*  prevalence,  are  gpod 
^^^\^  ^ms-tfit^^6rc  been  ap- 
plied  to^ii^hievous'purpofes1;  and  in  tills 
country^r'^rel'ume  that  no  one  has  \  attempt- 
'ttl  to  employ  it  for  purpofes  foreign  from 
irs  original  infiitutiori.  But  in  an  age,  and 


^ 

than  I  amjwhether'ill  uies  have  been  or  may- 
be made  of  Mafonry. 

Your  appeal  to  my  own  breaft,  and  your 
(Jeclaration  that  I  (hall  there  find  your  fen- 
timents,  Iconfideras  a  high  compliment;- 
and  feel  a  pride  in  perceiving  and  declaring, 
ihaft.'the /opinions,  principles  and  feelings 
expre(Ted; , ^ re; t .conform able-  tQ!->rey  own. 
X  2  With 


*58          PATRIOT  I,p 

With  you,  I  fear  that  no  hope  remains,  hut 
in  preparation  for  the  worfl  that  may  enlue. 
Perfevere,  gentlemen,  in  revering  the 
conilitution  .which  fee  vires  your  liberties  ; 
in  loving  your  country;  in  praclifirig  tlie 
facial^  as  well  as  the  moral  duties  ;  in  prc- 
fehting  your  lives,  with  tho.fe  of  your  fel- 
low-citizens, a  barrier  to  defend  your  incje- 
pendence.  And  may  the  Architect  all-pow- 
erful furround  you  with  walls  impregnable, 
and  receive  you,  Finally,  (your  country 
happy,  prosperous  'and  glorious  !)  to  man- 

fions  eternal  in  the  Heavens. 

• 

With  heart-felt  fatisfa£Uon>  I  reciprocate 
your  moft  fincere  congratulations  o»  an  oc- 
cafion  the  moft  iniqrefting  to  Americans  : 
no  light  or  trivial  caufe  would  have  given 
you  the  opportunity  of  .beholding  your 
"WASHINGTON  again  relinquifhing  the  tran- 
quil fcene,  in  delicious  fhades.  To  com- 
plete the  character  of  French  philofophy, 
and  French  policy,  at  the  end  of  the  eigh- 
teenth century,  it  feemed  to  be  neceffary  to 
combat  this  patriot  and  hero. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

- 

RESOLUTIONS   adopted  unanimou/ly,  ly  the 
CITIZENS  of  C A  L v  E  R T  County. 

1.    THAT   the  Prefident  of  the  United 
States  is  entitled  to  the  thanks  of  this  meet- 
ing* 


&  P  p  R:E5S'iS  £  S. 

ing,  for  his  prudent,  firm  and  patriotic  ad- 
miniftration,  and  for  his  wife,  candid  and 
firicere  endeavors  to  obtain  an  amicable  ad- 
juftment  of  the  unhappy  difpute  with  the 
French  republic. 

II.  That  our  envoys,  in  the  difcharge  of 
their  duty,  merit  our  efteem  and  approba- 
tion. 

III.  That  although  we  fincerely  depre- 
cate a  war  (with  all  its  concomitant  calami- 
ties) with  any   foreign  power,  yet  ;we  .will 
molt    cheerfully  encounter    every    danger, 
rather  than  fubmit  to    the   depredations  fo 
difhonorably  committed  on  our  commerce. 

IV.  That  we  view  with  abhorrence  the 
attempts  made  by  foreigners  and  others,  to 
alienate  our  fellow-citizens  from   the  gov- 
ernment of  their  choice,  that  we  are  deter- 
mined to  fiipport  the  conftiiuted  authorities 
of  the  United  States,  and  that  we  will  repel 
any  invafion  on  onr  rights  and  liberties,  at 
the  rifk  of  every  thing  that  is  #ear and  val- 
uable. 

V.  That  the  chairman  be  requeued  to 
enclofe  the  foregoing  refolutions  to  the  rep- 
refentative  of  this   diclricfc,  to  be   by    him 
prefented  to  the  Preddent  and  Congrefs  of 
the  United  States. 


T» 


•  $>  A  T  R  1  O  T  I  G 

To  the  CITIZENS  of  C^v^^  County. 

GENTLEMEN,. 

YOUR  refolutions  have  been: commu- 
nicated to  me,  according  to  your  defire,  by 
your  reprefemative  in  Congrefs,  Mr.  Dent. 

Your  thanks  ufiariimoufly  voted  to  me, 
are  a  great  reward,  and  your  efteem  and  ap- 
probation of  our  envoys  in  the  dif charge  of 
ihcir  duty,  is  very  acceptable  to  me. 

Your*  refalutions  mod  cheerfully  to  ert- 
counter  every  danger,  rather  than  to  fubmk 
to  the  depredations  on  our  commerce,  fo 
difhonorably  committed, and  the  abhorrence 
\vith  which  you  view  the  attempts  made  by 
foreigners^and  others  to  alienate  our  fellow- 
citizens  from  the  government  of  their 
choice,  your  determination  to  lupport,t}ie 
conftituted:  authorities  of  the  United  States, 
and  repel  every  invafibn  of  your  rights- and 
liberties,  at  the  rifk  of  every  thing ., that  is 
dear  and  valuable,  are  wife  and  virtuous. 

JOHN  ADAMS, 

... ,.,«..  ^..... __v.^>... >..>..> 

To  the  PRESIDENT  of -the  UN  ITE.D.STATES.  . 
SIR,, 

x\T  this  eventful'period,  \vhen  the  dignity 
and  independence  of  the 'United  States  are 
involved  ;  at  a.  time  when  a  foreign  nation 

has 


ADDRESSE  S,          261 

has  declared  (among  other  enormous  requi- 
fites)  that  money  to  an  i mm e rife  amount 
mult  be  paid  a«  a  preliminary  to  an  audience 
ivitli  the  Directory,  or  their  recognition  o£ 
our  envoys  extraordinary  to  that  nation  ; 
and  at  a  time  when  a  foreign  nation  attempts 
to  degrade  the  American  character,  by  de- 
claring to  the  world,  that  they  have  in  tbc 
bo  Com  of  our  country  a  confiderable  party 
attached  to  their  iinerelts,  or  devoted  to 
their  mandates,  with  a  view  to  overawe  our 
councils  ;  that  the  fate  of  Venice  is  held 
out  to  us  as  a  punifh.ment  in  referve  for  our 
country  ;  that  their  fhips  of  war  fhould 
ravage  and  plunder  our  fea-coafts,  fhould 
their  demands  not  be  complied  with — This 
painful  piclirre,  fent  to  us  by  our  commif- 
fioners,  in  whom-  we  repofe  full  confidence, 
from  a  government  fo  congenial  to  our  own, 
from  a  nation  to  whom  our  bed  wi flies  ex- 
tended in  their  arduous  ilruggles  for  inde- 
pendence, is  a  llrange  and  wonderful  fpecla- 
ele  of  man  l~ We,  the  fubfcribeiT,,  inhabit- 
ants of  Wafhmgton  county,  and  State  of 
Maryland,  anxious  for  peace  with  ail  the 
•world,  and  being  poifeifed  of  full  informa- 
tion'of  your  condutl  with  refpe6t  to  France, 
kave  no  doubt.  Sir,  but  that  ypu,  with  the 
iOther  branches  of  our  govermtient^  will  yet 
meet,  with  fincerity,,  every  honorable  over- 
ture of  that  nation,  for  the  final  adjuftment 
of  the  xliflferences  unhappily  fubfifting  be- 
xfc  tweenr, 


263          PATRIOTIC 

tween  us  ;  fully  imprefled  with  thofe  ideas,- 
\ve  have  only  to  declare  that  your, conduct 
v/ith.refpect  to- France,  has  been  fdir,  ample 
and  honorable,  and  receives  our  moil  hearty 
approbation,  and  having  then  the  utmoit 
jconfidence  in  the  integrity  and  wifdom  of 
our  national  government,  we  are  refo!  ved.  at 
the'rifk  of  our  lives  ar.d  property,  t.o  fup- 
port  it,  as  one  of  our  own  choice 
hard  earned  independence,  of  OUT  country. 


To    the   INHABITANTS    of  W  ASIIK;  GTGM 
Ccunty. 


\  OUR  addrefs  has  becii  prefentcd  tp 
me  by  your  reprerentative  in  Congreis,  Mr. 
Baer. 

When  you  fay  that  the  government  of 
France  is  congenial  to  your  own,  I  pray 
you,  gentlemen,  to  reconfider  the  fubje£fe. 
The  conflitution,  the  adminiftration,  the 
laws,  and  their  interpretation  in  France,  are 
as  efTentially  different  from  ours,  as  the  an- 
cient monarchy.  I  f  we  may  believe  travel- 
lers returned^  from  that  country,  or  their 
fown  committees,  the  pomp  and  magnifi- 
cence, the  profufion  of  expenfe,  the  pjxnid 
ufurpation,  the  domineering'  inequality  at 
prefent  in  that  country,  as  well  as  the  prof- 
titution  of  morals  and  depravation  of  man- 
aers3  exceed  ail  that  ev.er  was.  fee  n  under 

the 


D  D  R  K  S  S  E  Si          ±6$ 

the  old  monarchy,  and  form  the  mod  perfect 
contrail  to  your  own  in  all  thofe  rcfpccls. 
—  I  (hall  moot,  with  fmceiity,  anv  honora- 
ble overtures  of  that  nation,  but  I  fhall 
make  no  more  overtures. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  th:  hu  SIDENT  (/^UNITED  STATES. 

SIR, 

Vv  E,  the  fubfcribcr^  being  a  committee 
on  the  part  of  a  rcipedablc  meeting  of  the 
citi/.ens  of  Worcetter  county,  in  the  State 
of  Maryland,  convened  at  Snowhill  for  the 
pnrpofe  of  cxprefling  their  ienfc  of  the  con- 
duct of  our  government  in  regard  to  its  for- 
eign relations,  and  to  declare  their  determi- 
nation at  this  prcfling  criiis  to  fnpport  it,  di> 
COmYnUnicate  to  you  as  the  unanimous  fenfe. 
of  the  (aid  meeting,  that  your  attempts  to 
reftorc  that,  harmony  between  the  I'nited 
States  and  the  French  republic,  which  has 
been  fo  unfortunately  impaired,  and  to  re- 
inllate  that  good  underHanding  between  the 
tuo  nations  lo  dcfi table  to  the  lovers  of 
peace,  have  been  \\ife  and  prudent,  and  en- 
title you  to  the  hi<\hc(l  evidence  of  their 
eltcem.  Imprefled  as  they  are  with  the  wif- 
dom  and  propriety  of  the  meafures  hitherto 
purfticd  in  the  adminifi ration  of  our  ;;r\ 
incnt,  fei.fible  of  our  p relent  alarming  fitu.i- 

tion, 


PATRIOTIC 

tibn,  and  believing  that  our  difficulties  have 
been  occafioned  in  a  great  meafure  by  in- 
ternal and  foreign  machinations,  calculated 
to  produce  in  France  an  unfounded  opinion 
that  the  Americans  are  a  divided   people  : 
In  order  to  aid  in  removing  an  opinion  fo 
injurious  to  our  national  chara&er  and  fo 
hazardous  to  our  peace,  they  will  never  hef- 
itate  to  proclaim  to  the  world  their  determi- 
nation, and  t%y  do  hereby  pledge  themfelves 
to  you,  .to  fupport  any  meafures  which  may 
be  adopted  by  the  government  of  their  coun- 
try calculated  to  fupport  their  rights  and  af- 
iert  the  dignity  of  .the  nation.     Whdllt  \ve 
thus  exprefs  to  you  the  approbation  and  de- 
termination of  our  fellow-citizens,  we  can- 
jiot  forbear   to  declare  our  abhorrence  of 
the  profligate  and  difgraceful  conduct  of  the 
government  of  France,  which  has  ;been  dif- 
.clofed  in  the  di fpatches  from  our  envoys. 
While  we  lament  the  unfortunate  neceflity 
of  having  to  negotiate  with  characters  who 
do  not  heiitate  to   acknowledge  their  own 
proflitution,  and  to  declare  that  the  jufticc 
of  our  claims  will  avail  us  nothing ;  but  that 
the   only  meafure  of  their  exa&ions  is  the 
extent  of  their  power — To    this   conduB, 
thofe  amiable  principles  of  religion,  morali- 
ty and  forbearance,  contained   in  your  late 
.proclamation,  exhibit  to  Americans  a  pleal- 
ing  con t raft. 

1  Permit 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  £  S. 

Permit  us  alfo  to  indulge  a  hope,  that  in 
this  threatening  profpeft  of  our  affairs,  har- 
mony and  unanimity  may  pervade  our  pub- 
lic councils.and  our  citizens  at  large,  and  to 
exprefs  our  unfeigned ,wiihes  fpr  your  health 
and  happinefs  in  the  trying  fituation  in 
nvhich  you  are  placed. 


0  the  COMMITTEE  of  a  Meeting  of  CITI- 
ZEN s  'of  Wo ROE s T  E'R  County. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  HAVE  received  from  the  hands  of 
your,  reprefentati.ve,  Mr.  Dennis,  your  letter, 
expreffing  the  fenfc  of  the  citizens  affembled 
atSnowhill. 

Your  approbation. '  of  the  meafu'res  '.of 
government,  and  determination  to  fupport 
them,  are  very  acceptable. 

The  di fpatches  exhibit  a  fcene  of  corrup- 
tion, depravity  and  intrigue,  which  is  dif- 
graceful  to  human  .nature—a  ftriking  con- 
trad  to  the  conduft  of  our  envoys  : — I  arn 
happy  to  find'/bu  pbfcrve  in  it  a  contraft  to 
,thofe  amiable  principles  of  religion,  morali- 
ty and  forbearance,  contained  in  a  late  Pro- 
cl'amation.  Every  lover  of  his  country  muft 
join  with  you  in  the  hope,  that  in  this  threat- 
ening profpecl;  of  our  affairs,  harmony  and 
unanimity  may  pervade  our  councils,  and 
pur  citizens  at  lar£e. 

Y  I  return 


A  T  .R  I  O  T  I  C 

\viih  jthaiiiks,  your,  kind  and  On- 
feigned,  wiflics  for  my  health  and  happinefs 
iivthefe  trying  times. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

«..•....  -xfr-<.-—  LJ->--'3>-  .»'..»,.. 

•  •;'',,        :  •  (i  : 

70  the  PRESIDENT  of  the 

SIR, 


this  -critical  period,  when  the  feelings 
of  every  heart  imp  retted  wjth  the  ientiments 
of  love  and  duty  to  its  country,  muft  be  ex- 
cited, we,  the  citizens  of  Dorchcfl'cr  couriiy, 
t-dke  t1^c  li'hc-rty  to  addrcfs  ton  u'po'n  the 
•con  duel:  which,  as  chief  magiftrate  of  the 
United  States,  you  have  purfu'ed  in  our  dif- 
agreeablc  differences  with  the  French  repub- 
lic. ;We  beg  you  .to  be  /affured  that  -your 
attemplts  ,to  reflore  harmony  between^  the 
two  nations  on  juft  and  honorable;  terms, 
aJid-aUb  }'our  ,-fii.m;afIe.rtion  gf  the  claims, 
rights  and  independence  of  our  country, 
meet  our  rnoft  cordial  approbation,  and  have 
fecured  our  warmed  gratitude—We  feel 
.with  indignation  and  reiemment  the  infuits 
and  contempt,  with  which  your  offers  of  rec- 
onciliation and  friendfliip  have  been,  Creat- 
ed ;  particularly  as  thole  offers  were  made,, 
after  our  commerce  had,been  harraffcd  anjd 
almoft  deftroyed  by  the  mod  wanton  an'd 
lawlefs  depredaiions—  rafter  our  nation  had 
been  infultccl  by  the  moft.vile  3iid  infidiou> 

attempts 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          267 

attempts  to  overawe  and  di&ate  to  our  le*- 

gaily  condituted  authorities.      Although  we 

highly;value  the  bleffings  of  peace,  yet'  un- 

der.the  prote&ion  of  Heaven,  we  are  detcr- 

.inined<  to  rely  with  fall  confidence  on1  your 

well  -tried  pati-iotifm  and  wifdom,  firmly  re- 

folKrexi"  to  Support  with  our  lives  and  proper- 

ty, the  honor,  the  liberty  a-nd  independence 

of  our  cou-mry, 

;  '  .  i 


. 
To  the  Ci'TizEtts  O/-DOK.CIIESTER  County. 

.'  r      ;       !       :          .   _.  ... 

GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  .  nnanimous  addrefs  has  been 
prefented  to  me  by  your  reprefentative, 
Mr.  Dennis. 

When  you  exprefs  in  terms  of  fo  much 
force  and  propriety,  the  feelings  of  your 
hearts,  impreiled  with  fentiments  of  love  and 

v  duty  to  your  country  ;  when  you  affure  me 
that  my  attempts  to-  reftore  harmony  between 
.the  United  States  and  France^  an  juft  and 

.honorable  terms,  and  my  firm  affertion  of 
the  claims,  rights  and  independence  of  oiu- 
country,  meet  your,  cordial  approbation^ 
and  have  fecured  your  warmed  gratitude  ; 
when-  you  exprefs  your  feelings  of  indigna- 
.tion  and  refentmenty  at  the  infults  and  con- 
tempt with  which  our  offers  of  reconciliation 
and  friendflilp'jhavi^  been  treaitedj  particu- 
larly '  as  i;tfcefe;  offers  bwette  made,  ^Wr  icur 
.'  /'i.  commerce 


J?  A  T  R  I  0-T  1  C 

commerce  had  been  harrafied  by  v/amon 
and  lawleft  depredations,  and  ouir,  nation 
bad  been  infulted  by  Vile  and  irifidious  at- 
tempts to  overawe  and  diBate  to  our  legally 
conttituted  authorities  ;  when  you-  declare 
roar  determination  to  rely  with  full  confi- 
dence on  my  endeavors,  firmly  refolved  to 
iupport  •vvtth  your  lives  and  fortunes,  the 
honor,  liberty,  and  independence  of  our 
country,  under  the  protection  of  Heaven — 
you  penetrate  my  heart  with  gratitude  for 
what  concerns  myfelf,  and  mufi  receive  the 
'oud  applaufe  of  the  honeft  world  for  what 
concerns  the  public. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

~£rom  the  1  N  H  A B  i T  A  :-«T  TS  of  H  A  R  FOR  D  Coun- 
ty ^  io  the.P R  E  s  i  D  t  N  T,  S  F; N  A  TE  ,  and  Houfe 
^/"R£PRE:SEMTATIVES  in  CONGRESS. 

ACTUATED  by  a  fincere  and  ardent 
defire  of  peace  with  ail  the  world,. we  have 
viewed  with  much  fatisfa6tion  the  meafures 
taken  by  our:Executive  for  an  accommoda- 
tion of  the,  differences  unhappily  fubfifting 
between  this  country  and  the  .French  repub- 
lic, and  very  rnucH  regret  that  they  have  not 
been  met  by  a.  like  difpofition  on  .the  other 
Dart  ,  and  as  it  appears  highly,  important  at 
this,  momentous  crifis.tbat  the  unanimity  ;of 
our -fentirnenu  and  determinations  ihould 

appear 


A  D"£>  U  E  S  S  E  'S. 

.appear  manifeft-~We  think  proper  to  de- 
clare, that,  \ve-are,  fully  determined  firmly 
to  fupport,  in  alTfituations,  our  independ- 
ence, and  the  government  of  our  choice. 


To  the  I  N  H  A  E  I  T-  A  NTS  of  H  A  R  ^  D  R  D 
GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  virtuous  refolutions  at  Har- 
ford  towrij'.uhanimoiifly  adopted,  have  been 
prefented  to  me  by  your  lepr'efentative  in 
Congrefs,  Mr.-  Matthews. 

The  fatitffaclion  you  manifeft,  in  the  mea- 
fures  taken  for  an  accommodation  £>f  dififer- 
,^nces  fubfi.fting,  ^tw^qn;  this  country  and 
the  French  republic,  is  very  agreeable,  to  me. 

. 

The  determination  to  fupport,  in-  all  fitu- 

ations,  your  independence  and  the  govern- 

'  merit  of  youinchoice^  is.Avorthy  of  freemen 

and  fakhful  citizens  ;  and  ^the  public  decja- 

.  ration  -of.  fuchifentime'nts  at.  this  time,  in;or- 

,der  to  fhew  tlie  unanimity  of  the  people,,  is 

good  policy,  as  it  tends  to  confirm  the  con- 

hdence  of  the  whole  nation  in  one  another, 

and  to  in  create  its  refpeQability  and  confid- 

eration  with  foreign  nations. 

.     ,  JOHN  ADAMS. 

Y  2-  X^ 


270          FAT  RIO  T  I  C 

To  JOHiV  ADAMS,   PIIHSIDENT   of 'the 
••:  UNITED  STATES  ^/AMERICA/ 

SIR, 

W  E5  the  citizens  of  Caroline  county,  be- 
ing fenfible  that  the  prefent  ftate  of  our 
national  affairs  requires  and  demands  our 
attention  and  unanimity,  and  that  a  .unifor- 
mity of  principles  and  fentiments  aje  the 
"thief  elTentials  in 'tfhe  direcli'orTand  welfare 

r  i       •  •          i    J  »        f       r       * 

of  government,  being  excited  or  thole  feel- 
ings, and  fentiments  of  duty  and  love  to  our 
country,  which,  at  men  a  crifis,  cannot  but 
-itfiprefs  the  fceart-  Of  e^ery  good  citizen,  beg 
teave  to-'add^fs'-'yt^^upon  that  conduct 
which  you  havfc,  fe  ch^f  niagi-ftrate  of  the 
United' States,  lately  -purfued.to-iKijuft  aikl 
terminate  o-ur  ^ifag,reeabl€  and  painful  dif- 
ferences with  |ne  French  republic. 

We  affure  you,  that  \ce  =cordiaiiy  unite  in 
approbating  thofe  vife,  juit  and  moderate 
meafures  whicii  you  have  adopted  and  pur- 
fued,  to  reftorc  harmony  and  reconciliation 
between  the  two  nations;  and  that  you  will, 
at  all  times  find  us  ready  to  embrace  with 
exciufive  fondnei^  every  wile  and  expedi- 
ent meai'ure  of  national  fecurity  and  defence. 

With  due  refentment  we  feel  the  indign 
contempt  and  infults  with  which  your  late 
offers  of  friendfhip  and  reconciliation  to  the 
French  republic  have  been  treated  ;  and 


§UD  .D>R!  B:'SrS.'E 

we   are.  happy-  to  .find,,  that  not  nnly  duty, 
but,  inclination,  prompted  you  to   proceed 
.therein,^!!  WjifrjRHRa  tqppejc.  .-ajid  -pa^jotic 
zeal. 

Whilfl  we  appreciate  .peace  and  tranquil- 
lity as  the  firil  of  national  blellings,  and  the 
end  of  every  wife  government  ;  we  (hall 
ever  unite  to  place  ,tbe  neceffary  .  b-arriers 
agaJ-nU  the  impuiles  of  paffioWj  the.  combina- 
tion of  lbr<-i^npo>'ev,thei.ntrigWQ§.9ff4ciion5 
the  ha  lie  of  fully,  or  the  fpirit  of  encroach- 
ment. With  the  gracious  protection  of  the 
Supreme  Ruler,  and  with  a  reliance  on  your 
\vifdom  and  patriotifm,  we  unanimously  re- 
fqlve  firmly  to  maintain  aifd  fupport  with 
'our  lives  and  properties,  the  honor,  dignity 
and  independence  of  our  cmintry. 

To  the  CITIZENS  of  C  A  R  9  L  i  N  £  County. 
GENTLEMEN, 


YOUR  addrefs  has  been  prefented  to 
me,  as  you  defired,  by  your  reprefeiytative 
in  Congrefs,  Mr.  Hindman. 

The  prefent  ihite  of  our  national  affairs 
indeed  demands  the  attention  pf  every  citi- 
zen, and  uniformity  of  fpirit  will  be  our 
grcateft  fecurity.  With  your  fentimerits  of 
duty  and  love  to  your  country,  if  they 
fhould  be  general  and  uniform  throughout 
the  nation',  "we  may  alt  have  confidence  in 
:W>  the 


.2712  P  A  T:R.  I  O  T  I  'C 

fthe.  gracious,  protection    of   the   Suprerrre 
.Ruler. 

-     Your  approbation  of  the  meafu  res-  of  gov- 
ernment is  a  great  fatisfaclion. 

I  cannot  agree  with  you,  that  tranquillity 
is  always  the  fird  of  national  bleffings-  there 
are  times  and  objects,  ••'  which  demand  of 
men,  and  eipecially  of  freemen,  the  facrifke 
of  peace,  property  and  life.  Indeed  there 
-can  be  ho  peace,  without  uniting  to  plaefe 
-thfc  neceffary  barriers  agairift  the  impulfes  df 
paflion,  the  infinuations  of  foreign  influ- 
etice^the  intrigues  of  faclion,  the  hade  of 
folly  and  the  fpirit  of  encroachment. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


From  the  JUST  I.CES,  the  GRAND  and'  PET  IT 
JURORS,  and  the  OFFICERS  of  TALBOT 
County  COURT,  and  of  a  numerous  and-re- 
fpettableBody  of  the  PEOPLE  o,f  theGQunty, 
to  the  PRESIDENT  ofthelJ-N  ITED-  STATES* 
SIR, 

JL  HE  people  of  Talbot  county,  in  the  State 
of  Maryland,  impreffed  in  common  with 
their  fell  ow-citizens,  with  a  lively  fe'nfe  of 
the  critkaV  fituation  of,  their  public  affairs, 
feel  it  a  duty  which  they  owe  to  their  coun- 
try and  themfelves,  to  addrefs  to  you  the 
fentiments  which  the  prefent  occafion  has 
ihfpired.  We 


A  D  D  R  E;S  S  E  S.          273 

We  had  hoped  that  the  moderation,.  \vu 
dom  and  juilice,  with  which  the  executive 
government, of  the  United : States  hathxon- 
jdu&ed  idelf  in  its  relations  \vith  foreign 
powers,  would  have  fecured  us  from  a  par- 
ticipation in  the  war  which  has  defolated 
Europe  :  It  is  therefore  with  extrerae^coi},- 
cern  that  we  view  the, alarming  poiiticm,  in 
which  the  nation  is  placed  by  the  rapacious 
avarice  and  deilructive  projeclsof  thofe  who 
tyrannize  over  the  people  of.  France.  But 
in  the  midft  of  this  concern,  we  derive  abun- 
dant confolation  from  reflecling,  that  the 
meafures  ^u'ch  you  have  purfued  for  re- 
moving fub(i(ling'di{ferences\V'ith  thcFrerich 
republic,  have  proceeded  from  a  liberal  and 
fincere  difpofition  to  rellore  harmony,  and 
preferve  the  important  interefts-pf  the  Uni- 
ted States,  without  facfificing  the  hon-orf  6'r 
fovereig-my  of  their  government,  and  were 
'ably  and  wifely  calculated  to  .attain  thefe 
ends,  had  your  ne'^ociations  been  re'cipVo- 
cated  with  that  fpirit  of  reconciliation  and 
"fFiendfhjp.  which  her  public  agents  have  fo 
often,'but  fo  perfidi^uflv'pro Ceiled.'  We  feel 
the  keenefl  indiginatron  in  perceiving  that 
thefe  advances  havc'*be'en  treated  with  un- 
merited contempt  ;  and  that  the  ambitious 
dire8ors  of  this  government,  wholly  aban- 
doning the  immutable  principles  of  ]uOice, 
•and  equally  difregarding'thejfaV  of  iiarions 
and  the  faith  of  treaties5have  wantonly  per- 

fifted 


P   A  T'R  I  O'T  1  C 

fifed-  in  a-ecunmlaung  injuries  t  upon,  the 
commerce  and  perlbnsmf  our  citizens,  and 
in  vilifying,  by  the  mod  fcandalous  inlults, 
the  executive  -authority  of  the  United  States. 

Iri  Ri'ch  a  ft'aVe'of  diiirgV;itilDec6me's  in'dif- 
penfably  neceilary  for  a  free  pqoplc  to  cx- 
prefs'  their  feeiing^'Wnd^'to.  Vindicate  tlieir 
rights;  an'd  while  \\^:#e'clarc:  our'entjrb  ciili- 
fiderice  in  your.  \viiVlam:  aud  integrity,  we 
aflure  you,  Sir,  of  our  determination  to  fup- 
'p!6rt  ev'ery'.mea'fure,  which  the  prefoni  crifis 
"may'  demand ,  at  the  hazard  of  o.ur  lives 'and 
fortunes,  and'  to  defirby  thoie  maligiiaWt 
"hopes  .which  have  been  entertained  from  a 
jvaln  belief,  th'at  the  people  of  this  country 
are  at  .variance  with  their  government. 

.-Animated  as  we  are  by  the  love  of  peace, 
it  is  not  without-relutlan-ce  that  we  contem- 
plate {the  calamities  of  war  :  but  refolv.ed.to 
^maintain  the  rights -and  independence  of  our 
country,  without  the  enjoyment  of  which,  • 
peace  would  be  only  vaffalage,  we  are  fully 
prepared  to  await  the  events  which  may  be- 
fal  us  ;  and  if  recourfe  mud  be  had. to  arms, 
we  mall  truft,. under  Divine^  Providence,  to 
the  juflice  ,of  our  caufe, :  And^under  fuch 
aufpices,  we  are  cpnfident  that  the  iffue  will 
be  fortunate, and  DC  rendered  glorious  by  the 
wifdom  and  patriotifm  of  the  government, 
^an,dby  the  courage  and  virtue  of  the  people. 

. 
;,  To 


A>D  D  R  E  S  S  E  Si          275 

JUSTICES,:  the  G  R  A  N,D  ;  and; PETIT 
JURORS  and  OFFICERS  of  TLA  L'B  ax  Ccun- 
ty,  and  the  numerous  Body  of  PSQP'L:*:  -rf 
that  County.  '  I 

GENTLEMEN,  . .   •>  ? . 

THIS  unanimous  addrefs,from  fp  re- 
fpeQable  an  affembly  of  citizens,  of  fuch 
various  clafles  and  denominations,  convey- 
ing'to  me  the  feritiments  \vhich  the  present 
occafion  has  infpued,  jipes  me 

jiYou  fee. that  neither  juftice  nor 
tion  .eanjecure  us  ^frornta  participation,  in 
the/war  which  has  agitated  Europe.  .  The 
rapacious  avarice  and  defbuclive  projects 
of  thofe  who  rule  in  France,  have  made  war 
upon  u?  already  fbir;years-^a  war  all  of  one 
fide,, a  war-  without  r^iprocky.-  .;. 

Our  negociations  have  been  conducted 
upon  public  and  natienal 'principles  and  ih- 
tereftsj  not  upon  little  projects  of  the  priv-ate 
ambition^  or  avarjce  of  individuals,  among 
jbe  rulers.  Our  advances  have, Jbeen 'treat- 
ed, ,with  unmerited  cofttem.pt ^the.qtieftion 
.n.cpi^  is,  Will  you  reverie  your  maxima  ?  and 
by  grat.ifying  the  rapacity  of  rulers  abroad, 
teach  your  own  future  rulers  at  home  lefibns 
of  rapacity  ? 

The  executive  authority  oryoufcouh'try, 
you  .may  ^'depend  upon  it,  wi'll  be  vilified, 
by -the  moil'Tibtid^lows  infults,  by  fuch  ru- 
lers, as  long:a^  it  is  upright  and  pure. 

Peace 


i;  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 

Peace  without  independence,  according 
to  your  own  happy  expreftion,  would  be 
vaffklagc.  ' 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

From  the  "CITIZENS  o/Ei.Kf  ON  and  its  vi- 
cinity ,  z'?i  C  £  c  i  L  County,  to  the  P  R  E '  s  i  n  E  N  T 
fl  wd  C  o.  N  o  R  K  s  s  of  the  UNITED  STATES. 

jLJVING  under  a  conftitution  organized 
by  the  wifdom  of  onr  country,  as  the  belt 
adapted  to  the-  attainment  of  thofc  objects 
which  are  the  end  of  all  rational  govern- 
ment. A  conftitiuion  alike  inimical  to  an- 
archy and  hereditary  power,  every  public 
functionary  deriving  authority  mediately  or 
immediately- -from  tire  people,  we  d^em  it 
fvifficientj  t»  commajul  .our  lupport  of  the 
meafures  of  adminiftration,  that  the  cornpe- 
teiH  authorities  decide* 

Well  fatisfied  that  the  citizens  of  the  Uni- 
ted States  are  firm  in  this  principle,  we  learn 
with  indignation  that  in  a  foreign  country 
an  opinion  prevails,  fhat  the  meaiurcs  of  thi;s 
government  may  be  defeated  or  embarraffed 
by  the  conflicting  opinions  of  individuals. 
To  repel  this  idea  fo  degrading  to  Amerr- 
cansj  and-to  evince  to  the  world  our  deter- 
xnination  on  that  point,  we  think  it  proper 
to  declare,'  that  we  will  by  all  the  means  in 
curpowcr?  fupport  the  deciGoi>s  of  the  con- 

-  {tkut.ed 


ADDRESSES.          27.7 

ftituted  authorities  :  Holding  it  our  duty, 
as  good  citizens,  to  fufTcr  no  opinion  of 
burs,  on  the  fubjecl  of  their  meafuresj  to 
impair  our  zeal  for  their  fupport. 

The  unjuft  aggreffions  of  the  French  re- 


.  - 


public  upon  the  commerce  of  this  country, 
and  their  unprecedented  conduct  towards 
our  envoys,  call  for  this  public  declaration 

r    '     •  '  ' 

ojour  ientiinents.  r/r- 

Anxious  for  tire  peace  of  our  country  and 
the  diminution  of  the  public;debt,  whilil  we 
are  tenacious  of  the  honor,  dignity  and  com- 
mercial rights  of  the  nation,  we  are  happy 
to  find  that  the  con  duel  of  tlve  P  re  ii  dent  of 
the  iUnited  States  in.lvis  endeavors  to  adjuft 
die  exilling  differences'  with  Fi^iac'e,  has  been 
iiuch  as  to  merit  ami  receiwthe  cordial  ap- 
probation of  all  tlie  real  friends  of  America. 

-—* 
'of  ELXTON  and  its  vicin- 


GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  addrefs  to-  -the  Prefident  ami 
Congrefs  of  the  United  States,  has  been 
prefented  to  me  by  your  reprefentative  in 
Congrefs,  Mr.  Matthews. 

Under  a  conftitution,  organized  by  die 
•\vifdora  of  the  people,  alike  inimical  to  an- 
archy, and  hereditary  power,  every  public 

functionary 


*7-8          P  A  T  R  1  O  T  I  C 

functionary  deriving  authority  mediately  or 
immediately  from  the  people,  there  cannot 
be  a  greater  abfurdity  in  theory,  than  an 
opinion  in  a  foreign  country,  that  the  mea- 
furcs  of  this  government  may  be  defeated 
or  embarrailecl  by  the  conflicting  opinions 
of  individuals,  nor-  can  there  be  a  greater 
affront,  or  more  injurious  reflection  caft  on 
rcprefcntative  governments ;  for  if  the  prin- 
ciple were  well  founded,  the  neceffary  con- 
lequence  would  be,  that  the  people  are 
incapable  of  fupporting  a  government,  of 
their  own  choice  and  fabric-;'  and  that  gov- 
ernment muft  be  hereditary,  in  order  to  give 
it  ft-rei\gth,ito  combine  the  public  opinion, 
to  draw  together  the  wills  and  forces  of  the 
people.  Your  zeal  therefore  to  repel  this 
idea  To  degrading  to  Americans,  is  natural 
and  well  founded.'  ^ji^uW^ 

Your  declaration  that  by  all  the  means  in 
your  po\yer,  you  will  fupport  the  decifions 
of  the  conftituted  authorities,  is  in  the  cha 
rafter  of  the  beft  of  citizens. 

There  is  not  one  of  you,  my  fellow-citi- 
zens, more  anxious  for  the  diminution  of 
the  public  debt,  than  myfelf ;  and  a  well 
regulated  '.finking  fund  may  one  day  be  re- 
lorted  to,  as  a  powerful  engine  for  that  .pur- 
pofc  :  But  I  fear  we  (ball  find  a  neccffity  of 
pollponini;  this  falntary  operation  in  its  full 
t,  to  a  time  when  tkc  honor  and  fafety 

Bf 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          279 

of  the  nation  fhall  be  better  f  ecu  red  than  at 
prefent. 

Your  approbation  of  my  conduct  is  very 
precious  to  me,  and  deferves  my  thanks. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


•RESOLUTIONS  'unanimoufly  adopted   ly   tKc 

CITIZENS  of  GEORGETOWN, 
j 

I.  1  HAT  in  the  opinion  of  this  meeting, 
the  Executive  of  the  United  States,  in  their 
inftruclions  to  our  minifters  in  France,  af- 
ford the  moil  unequivocal  evidence  of  a 
fincere  defire  to  promote  and  perpetuate  an 
honorable  peace  with  the  French  republic. 

II.  That  although  peace  with  all  nations 
is  juftly  dear  to  this    country,  yet  that  the 
prefervation  of  its  honor  and  indeponelervce- 

-isi-'the  firft  national  objeft,  ancj'odght  tberg- 
•fore  to  be   coniidered  infinitely  mWe  erfti~ 
niable. 

III.  Thar  this  meeting  feel  it  a  duty  to 
ft5?prefs  in  -the  ftrongeft  terms,  -their  cori  it- 
dence  in  the   wifdom,  virtue  and  patriotifm 
of  the  conftituted  authorities  of  their  c6irn- 
try  —  their  reliance  that  at   this  everitftil  pe- 
riod, their  deliberations  wiH   be  influenced' 
by  a  pure  regard  to  the  happinefs  and  prof- 
perity  of  the  nation  :—  Arid  that,  whatever 

'of  opiniolr  may  e?ti(l  «arnong:'  us, 


280          P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  6 

in  regard  to  our  internal  and  domefh'e  reg- 
ulations ;  ftill  if  the  necefTity  of  a  folemia 
appeal  to  arms  mould  be  -impofed  upon  us, 
America,,  fo  far  from  (hewing  herfeif  a  de- 
graded and  divided  people,  will  exhibit  to 
the  world  an  example  of  unanimity  and  pa- 
triotifm  not  to  be  exceeded. 

IV.  That  the  chairman  of  this  meeting 
be  inftru&ed  to  forward  to  the  rep  re  fen  ta- 
tive  of  this  diftricl,  a  copy  of  thefe  refolu- 
tions  5  with  a  requeft  that  he  will  conimunf- 
cate  the  fame  to  the  Prefident  and  Congrefe 
pf  the  United  States. 


To  the  CITIZENS  ^GEORGETOWN. 
GENTLEMEN, 

MR.  CRAIK,  the  reprefentative  c>f 
your  diftricl,  has  prefented  to  me,  in  your 
name,  a  copy  of  the  refoludons  paifed  at  a 
numerous  and  refpe&able  meeting  of  lh« 
citizens  of  Georgetown. 

Your  approbation  of  the  inftruclions  to 
our  miniflers  to  France  ;  your  eftimation 
of  the  honor  and  independence  of  your 
country,  as  the  firft  national  object,  and 
more  eltimable  even  than  the  bleffings  of 
peace;  your  confidence  in  the  conflituted 
authorities  of  your  country,  and  in  the  una- 
nimity and  patriotifm  of  your  fellowrciti- 
zcns,  the  American ^  people,  are  honorable 

,     to.  i 


A  i)  D'K  E'S'S  £  S. 

to  ycurfelves,  the  government  and  the  na- 
tion ;  and  the  communication  of  them  'dt 
this  crifis,  cannot  fail  to  be  agreeable  to;  all, 
but  the  enemies  of  this  country. 

: 


From  the  CITIZENS  of  BOHEMIA 

and  SASSAFRAS  NECKran  CECIL  County^ 

•   tfctht  PR  EVIDENT  <7/"//ZeUNITEDSTATES. 

;vuifi3»'fV3ri>       :  :iu?,Viitt 

SIR, 

A 
jfxS  a  portion  of  the  people  of  this  govern- 

ment,, participating  in  the  advantages  refult- 
ing  from  well-f^cured  freedom,  we  cannpt 
remain  indifferent  to  the  manifold  injuries, 
,\fhichj,in  violauon^  of  ;a  folemn  treaty  and 
the  laws  of  nations,  are  daily  infilled  on 
our  fellow-citizens.  Nor  can  we  view  with 
apathy  the  reiterated  indignities  and  outrages 
offered  to  the  government  of  our  choice. 

Although  vwe  are  not  'engaged  in  cqm- 

feercje^  we  are  fenflble  of  its  importance  to 

|otHf  :interefts,^as  cultivators  of  the  earth  ; 

•we  therefore  confider  'ourfelvcs   bound  by 

that  coniideration,  as  weH  as  the  obligation 

*of  mutual  conceffion  to  our  fellow-citizens 

who  purfue  commerce,  to  contribute  to  its 

^rpte6iion.  •  We   alfo   moft  firmly  believe 

that  the  interefts  of  the  people  and  of  the 

government,  are'  as  intimately  blended  as 

thofe  of  agriculture  and  commerce  :  and  we 

Z  2  hold 


282          P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 

hold  all  attempts  to  feparate  the  one  from 
the  other,  in  utmoft  deteftatioru 

If,  as  has  been  infultingly  infinuatcd, -"or 
rather  averted,  there  isa^faftion  in  this- gov- 
ernment fo  loft  to  American  feelings,  as  to 
efpoufe  the  unjuft  and  arrogant  pretenfions 
of  a  foreign  nation,  we  beg  leave  to  affuac 
you  that  we  arc,  not  of  that  defcription. 
And  we  trail  that  very  few  will  be  found  fo 
unworthy  the  bleffings  they  enjoy. 

While  we  fincerely  lament  that  the  pru- 
dent and  pacific  fteps  taken  by  our  'chief 
magiftrate  to  preferve  peace,  fo  defifaWe  to 
alt  nations,  are  likely  to  fail -of  the  wiflidd 
for  eflecl,  we  highly  applaud  the  policy  of 
fuch  temperate  proceedings.  $eeingj  ifi 
them  a  fincere  and  ardent  defire  to  promote 
and  accelerate  a-n'  aecomm-odauo-n  with^lic 
republic  of  France,  on  terms  compatible 
with  the  rights,  dutks,  iritercfts  and  honor 
of  the  nation,  we  arc  encouraged  to^iplace 
additional  confidence  in  the  integrity  and 
wifdom  of  the  conllituted  authorities  ;  and 
the  more  readily  to  promife  our  williiig  aid 
in  fupport  of  fuch  meafures  as  may  be  adopt- 
;cd  by  them  in  the  prefcnt  unhappy  fituatioa, 
of  our  public  concerns.. 

We  pray  you,  Sir,  to  accept  our  bed 
wifhes  for  the  prolongation  of  your  life, 
hitherto  fo  eminently  diflinguifhed  for  it's 
ufefulnefs  and  patriotifm,  and  that  it  may  be 

'  bleifed 


A  D  D  R'E  S  S  E  S.          2% 


blefled  with  the  enjoyment  of  every 
pinefs. 

*.*v«-^V-«===>-"'«J>«"«"«-  :[\ 

To  theCiTizE  N  s'o/Bo  rr  E  MI  A  MA  NOR  aifo 

SASSAFRASS  NECK,  in  CECTL  County. 

i 
GENTLEMEN, 

I  THANK  you  for  this  addrefs,iq<Jt: 
•would  be<  unaccountable  indeed,  if  any!  por- 
tion of  a  people,  who  .acknowledge  a  par- 
ticipation in  the  advantages,  -refulting.  from 
well  fe^cured  .freedom,  could  be  indifferent 
to  the  manifold  injuries  which,  in  violation 
9;f  3  folemn  treaty  and  the  laws  of  n^tion^, 
are  daily  inflicted  on  our.  fellow-citizens,  or 
View  "with  apathy  the  reiterated  indignitie^ 
and  outrages  offered  :to  the  govermrientcbf- 

their  choice.. 

. 

The  importance  of  commerce  to  the  in- 
terefts.of  tHe,  cultivators  of  the  earth,  is  fo 
o'bVioiYs,  -th'at^at  leaft  as  much  zeal  has  ap- 
perned  £a^.ks  proteflioH  bn-the  landed  iinter- 
efts  as  the  mqnied  intejeft,  in  farmers  as  in 
merchants,  'in  country  citizens  as.  in  navi- 
gators. 

ViLf\  thep^B^efeft^  o\K  the:  people  and  of,  tire 
government  are  not  as  intimately  blended 
^as  thofe  of  agriculture  and  commerce  in  an 
£le£live  government,  in  what  other  form 
can  i^hc-yi-he  more  fo  ?  Will  thofe  who,  at- 
tempt tO;feparate  the.jone  from  the  other;, 
i,  pretend 


s84          P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  € 

pretend  that  in  hereditary  governments  they 
are  more  fo  ?  or  under  military  conquerors  ? 

I  believe  with  you  that  very  few  will  be 
found  fo  unworthy  of  the  bleffings  they  en- 
joy, as  to  efpoufe  the  unjuft  and  arrogant 
pretenfions  of  a  foreign  nation,  yet  we  have 
found  that  a  few  venal  preffes,  and  unprin- 
cipled mercenaries  have  been  able  to  raife 
loud  clamors,  produce  much  difcontent,  and 
threaten  ferious  calamities. 

The  expreffions  of  your  fatis  faction  and 
confidence,  as  well  as  the  promife  of  your 
willing  aid,  in  fupport  of  fuch  meafures  as 
may  be  adopted  in  the  prefent  unhappy  fit- 
uation  of  our  public  concerns,  are  very 
agreeable. 

For  your  kind  wi  flies  for  the  prolonga- 
tion of  my  life,  I  return  you  mine,  for  every 
bleffing  on  you  'and  pbfterity  . 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


V  I  R  G  I  N  I  A. 


To  the  iP'R  E  s  i  p  E'N  T  'of  tht  U  N  i  T  E  D  STATES. 

S'R    "  ' 

A! 

<TxT  this  important  moment,  when  immi- 
nent danger  threatens  us  from  abroad,  the 
imderfigned  Young  Men  of  iRichmond,  feel 

themfelves 


ADDRESSES.          285 

themfelv.es  impelled  by  that  common  fentir 
roent,  which  now  animates  America,  to  ex:- 
prefs  their  fervent  wifhes  for  peace  ;  but 
their  determined  refblution  to  fupport  thofe 
meafures  of  government,  which  are  calcic 
lated  to  repel  foreign  aggreflions^  and  to- 
protecl  our  country  from  injury  and  infujt. 
We  deem  it  the  duty  of  every  citizen,  to 
fupport  all  thafe  meafures-  of  government, 
which  are  conftitutionally  adopted:  but  inv 
preffed  wiih  a  firm  belief  that  the  conducl 
of  our  government  has  been  impartial  as  a 
aeutral  nation,  that  it  has  been  faithful  in  its 
facred  obfervance  of  treaties-,  and  that  it  has 
demonftrated  its  friendly  difpofition  to  an 
ancient  ally,  by  offering  that  explanation  of: 
.exifting  differences,  which  could,  alone  te- 
flore  harmony  :  our  duty  as  citizens  fhall, 
on  this  occafion,  be  animated  by  the  a&ive 
energy  of  patriotic  zeal. — It  is  much  to'be 
lamented,  that  fcparated  as  we  are  from  the 
European  world,  we  m.ofl  dill  feel  its  agita- 
tions :  It  is  mucKraore  to  be  lamented,  that 
we  fhould  be  reluctantly  dragged  into  a 
contefl  with  the  French  nation  ;  a  nation 
which  once  aided  our  fathers  in  a  difficult 
and  glorious  ftruggle,  and  for.  whom  we 
have  been  once  taught  to  cherifh  fomething 
more  than  efteem  and  friendfhip.  Our 
hearts  too  are  dill  free  to  confefs  a  venera- 
tion for  the  mighty  effort  which  overturned 
the.  degrading  defpotifm  of  royalty,  and  the 


286          PATRIOTIC 

multiplied  mifchiefs  of  their  political  fyftem  ; 
but  when  we  fee  the  enthufiafm  for  liberty, 
extinguished  by  an  ambition  which  grafps  at 
,t?he  domination  of  the  world  ;  when  we  be- 
hold them  intoxicated  with  fuccefs,  proudly 
dictating  to  unwilling  nations,  and  fubjuga- 
ting  thofe  who  are  not  fubmiffive  (laves,  or 
the  ready  inftruments  of  their  future  domi- 
nation— that  bofom  which  once  glowed  with 
exultation,  for  the  triumphs  of  Frenchmen, 
now  burns  with  no  lefs  indignation  at  their 
flagitious  conduct,  their  prefent  injuries  and 
infults— injuries  too  many  and  too  aggrava- 
ted, for  filence  and  inaction,  ^isl 

It  is  a  caufe  of  infinite  regret  that  the  re- 
.peated  offers  to  negociate,  on  our  parr, 
fhould  be  treated  with -idifdain-;  that  in  ful- 
len  filence,  the  rulers  of  France  fhould  turn 
a  deaf  ear  to  the'voice  of  juftice  and  friend- 
fhipj  of  ' indirect ly  menace  us  with  ven^ 
geance,  by  .preienting  to  our  view  thofe 
unfortunate  and.  degraded  people,  who  have 
already  been  forced  to  bend  beneath  their 
yoke.  We  feel,  however,  a  pleafing  con- 
folation,  that  you,  Sir,  have  exhibited  to  the 
world,  the  moft  unequivocal  teftimonials  of 
the, upright  intentions  of  our  government, 
and  that  the  mind  of  man  cannot  refill  the 
evidence  which  it  difclofes  of  a  friendly, 
juft  and  rigoroufly  impartial  conduct. 

It  is  our  wifh,  and  we   believe,  it  to  be 
'sj  that  the  calamities  of  war  fhould  be 

averted: 


E  S  S  E  S.         287 


averted  by  every  mean,  confident  with 
honor,  dignity  and  rights  of  an  independent 
nation  :  but  if  this  evil,  which  we  deprecate, 
fhould  be  our  lot,  the  firmnefs  of  freemen 
will  he  fuftained  by  .a  belief,  that  moderation 
and  juftice  will  c  on  fecrate  the  fword,  which 
neceffity  draws.  We  repofe  confidence  in 
the  wifdom  and  virtue  of  the  conflituted  au- 
thorities, and  .permit  us  to  affure  you,  Sir, 
that  we  ihall  be  ever  ready  to  lend  our  aid, 
in  vindication  of  our  violated  rights,  and 
that  our  endeavors,  though  weak,  mall  he 
ever  ready  to  lend  our  aid,  in  vindication 
of  our  violated  rights,  and  that  our  endeav- 
ors, though  weak,  fliall  be  zealoufly  joined 
-with  the  red  of  our  fellow-citizens,  in  fup- 
porting  the  liberty  and  independence  of  our 
country,  againft  the  unjuft  attacks  of  the 
French  nation,  or  any  other  pow^r  on  earth. 

To  the  YOUNG  MEN  of  RICHMOND. 

GENTLEMEN,  ' 

/AN  addtefs,  fo  refpcaful  to  me,  tp 
faithful  to  the  -nation,  and  true  to  its  gov- 
ernment, from  fo  honorable  a  portion  of  the 
Young  Men  v>f  Richmond,  cannot  fail  to  be 

verv  acceptable  to  me. 
-  ••          ; 

You1  will  not  take  offence,  I  hope,  at  my 
freedom,  however,  if  I  fay,  that  if  you  had 
been  taught  to  cherifh  in  your  hearts,  an 


a88          PATRIOTIC 

cfteem  and  friendfhip  for  France,  it  would 
have  been  enough  ;  more  than  thefe  toward 
any  foreign  power,  had  better  be  refer v ed. 

It  might  have  been  as  well  for  us  in  Ame- 
rica, whofe  diftance  is  fo  great,  and  whofe 
knowledge 'of  Frahce,  and  her  government, 
vas  fo  imperfect,  to  'have  fufpended  our 
veneration,  for  the  mighty  effort  which 
overturned  royalty,  until  we  mould  have 
feen  all  degrading  defpotifm  at  an  end  in  the 
count ry ,  a ri d  fo m  e r hi  ri  g  hi  o  r e  c o nrfi ft e nt  w i t  h 
virtue,  equality,  liberty  and  humanity  fub- 
flituted  in  its  place— Hithertd  the  progrefi 

3ias  'been  from  bad  to  worfe. 

' 

The  conduct  of  the  French  government 
towards. us,  is  of:  a  piece  with  .their  beha- 
viour to  their  own  citizens,  and  a  great  part 
of  Europe.  Your  fenfibility  to  their  infults 
and  injuries  to  your  country,  is  very  becom- 
ing, and  your  refolution  -to  refift  them:  do 
you  honor. 

A  frefli  infult  is  now  offered  to  all  Amc- 
jrica,  and  efpccialiy  to  her  government,  in 
the  arbitrary' difm'ifljon  of  two  of  their  en- 
voys, with  fcornful  intimations  of  capricious 
prejudices  againft  them- — But  I  am  weary  of 
enumerating  infults  and  injuries. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


ADDRESSES.          289 

RESOLUTIONS  adopted  ^^INHABITANTS 
of  the  Town  of  ALEXANDRIA. 

I.  1  HAT  the  profpeft  of  an  impending 
rupture  with  the  republic  of  France,  is  one 
which  is  deeply  to  be  deplored  ;  and  that 
war  and  all  meafur.es  of  conflict  that  lead 
dire&ly  tolioftilities  with  that  or  any  other 
.nation,  are  only  to  be  juftified  by  caufes 
•which  affect  our  national  independence,  but 
that  when  thefe  exift,  and  are  not  ^to  be 
averted  by  means  of  amicable  negocfation, 
arms  become  the  natural,  equitable  and  in- 
diipenfable  refort. 

II.  That  the  meafures  which  have  been 
Adopted  and  purfued  by.  the  Executive  of 
the  United  States,  to  obtain  retribution  for 
injuries-,  and  to  reftore  harmony  between  u* 
and  the  French   republic,  have  been  truly 
wife  and  patriotic  ;  the  event  having  abun- 
dantly proved,  that  on  the  part  of  France 
there   exifts   a   corrupt    adminiftration,    to 
whom  a  further  application  on  the  principles 
tof  juftice,  muft  continue  to  be  nugatory. 

III.  That  while  a  hope  is  cherifhed  that 
Tome  foreign  political  event  may  foon  take 
place,  to   obviate  prefent   appearances  and 
diffipate  the  gloom  of  war^it   is  expedient 
neverthelefs,  for   the   government    of  this 
country,  to  adopt  with  promptitude  effec- 
tual meafures  of  defence  ;  to  aft  like  the 

A  a  rulers 


PATRIOTIC 

rulers  of  a  free  and  independent  nation, 
\vhofe  fituation  and  internal  refources  ena- 
ble it  to  fcourge  every  invader  of  its  rights 
or  territories,  and  that  in  conformity  witU 
thefe  fentiments,  the  citizens  of  Alexandria 
promife  a  faithful  co-operation  with  the  ad- 
mini  ft  ration  and  cheerful  and  prompt  com- 
pliance with  a^y  degree  or  mode  of  taxation 
which  fhall  be  .deemed  rieceffary  or  expe- 
dient. 

IV.  That  the  foregoing   refolutions   be 
publifhed  in  the  Alexandria  newfpapers,  and 
that  a  copy   of  .them   be  tranfmitted  to  the 
Prefident  .,1  the  United  States,  the  Preiident 
of  the  Seuate,  and  Speaker  of  the,  Ho  life  of 
'Reprcfentatives. 

V.  That   a  committee  be  appointed  to 
prepare  an  addrefs  to  the  Prefident  of  the 
United  States,  inclofing  the  foregoing  refo- 
lutions. 


From  the  COM  M  i  T  T  E  E  of  the  I  N  n  A  B  i  T  A  N  TS 
of  the  Town  of  ALEX  ANDRI  A,£O  the  PRES- 
IDENT of  the  UNITED  STATES. 

SIR, 

JL  HE  citizens  of  Alexandria,  viewing  with 
ihe  livelieft  apprehenfions,  the  alarming  fmi- 
.ation  of  our  political  differences  with  the 
republic  of  France,  as  detailed  in  the  com- 
munications  of  our  envoys  at 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          23* 

Secretary  of  State,  and  defirous  of  evincing 
their  attachment  to  the  government  of  their 
country,  and  a  virtuous  indignation  at  any 
attempt  to  infringe  its  national  fovereignty, 
have  commiffioned  us  to  tranfmit  to  you  the 
inclofed  refolutions  expreffive  of  their  fen- 
timents  upon  fubje&s  fo  important  and  in- 
terefting  to  the  peace,  dignity  and  profperity 
of  the  United  States.  We  have  feen  with 
anxious  regret,  the  gradual  diffolutioh  of 
thofe  ties  of  gratitude  and  afFe&ion,  which 
have  fo  long  attached  America  to  the  inter- 
efts  of  France  :  hut  when  that  affeclion  is 
violated  by  the  grofTeft  injuries  ;  when  an 
expreffion  of  gratitude  becomes  our  re- 
proach, and  we  are  fmarung.. under  the  laih 
..of  unprpvoked  aggreflions;  when  every  at- 
tempt at  amicable  negociation  has  been  fruf- 
trated,  it  becomes  the  indifpen fable  duty  of 
a  free  people  to  vindicate  the  infulted  honor 
of  its  national  character. 

vjiirWe  embrace,  Sir,  with  peculiar  fatisfac- 
tion,  this  favorable  opportunity  of  expreff- 
.ing  to  you,  the  warm  acknowledgments  of  a 
grateful -peaple  for  your  truly  wife  and  pa- 
triotic exertions  to  preferve  the  tranquillity 
of  your  country.  The  meafures  adopted 
and  purfued  by  the  Executive  of  the  United 
States,  meet  our  warmed  approbation  ;  and 
though  many  attempts  have  been  made  to 
feparate  us  from  the  government  of  our 
choice,  and  the  difference  of  political  fenti- 

ment 


PATRIOTIC 

ment  has  been  the  mean  employed  for  that 
purpofe,  yet  be  afTured  \ve  will  ever  repel 
-with  unanimity  and  energy,  every  effort  of 
a  foreign  power  to  dirninifh  our  rights  as  an 
independent  nation.  \Ve  take  a  pride  in 
expreffing  to  you,  Sir,  our  entire  approba- 
tion of  the  re&itude  and  integrity  of  your 
adminiftration.  We  are  pleafed  to  fee  thofe 
virtues  and  talents  fo  often  exercifed  for  the 
benefit  of  your  country  in  the  late  revolu- 
tionary conteft,  again  exerted  in  the  dif- 
charge  of  the  arduous  duties  of  the  fir  ft 
magiftrate  of  the  Union.  Accept,  Sir,  our 
fincere  and  ardent  wifhes  for  your  public 
profperity  and  private  happinefs. 


From  the  YOUNG  MEN  of  the  County  of 
GREENSVILLE,  to  the  PRESIDENT  of  the- 
UNITED  STATES. 

SI  Hi 

JL  O  afTure  you  of  our  concurrence,  at  this 
time,  with  the  meafures  pu-rfued  by  you,  i$ 
fupport  of  our  independence,  is  not  the  pur- 
pofe  of  this  addrefs.  It  is  to  claim  a  mare 
in  the  defence  of  our  country,  and  once 
more  fhew  the  contraft  between  the  defend- 
ers of  liberty,  and  the  hirelings  of  defpotifm. 
We  truft  we  are  not  degenerated  from  our 
fathers  who  obtained  our  liberties,  and  be 
it  our  care  to  preferve  the  fair  inheritance 
inviolate.  Suffer 


A  D  DRESS  E  S.         '293 

*  'Suffer  us.  to  aflure  you,  that  you  have  on- 
ly to  point  out  the  mode,  and  our  lives  now, 
as  they  ever  have  been,  fhall  willingly  be 
facrificed  in  the  defence  of  our  liberties  and 
government. 

We   regret   our  diftance  from  Philadel- 
phia, as  by  that  mean  we  are  deprived  of  the 
•happinefs  of  afluring  you  perfonally,  of  our 
readinefs,  under  your  command,  to  take  up 
arms:in  defence  of  our ronftitti iron. 

Permit  us  too,  to  congratulate  you  on  the 
hearty  concurrence  of  our  brothers  of  Phil- 
adelphia ;  and  thus  may  you,  a»  long  as  our 
country  fhall  demand  the  exertion-  of  your 
abilities,- receive  in  the  mod  ample-manner, 
the  fentirrrents  and'  good  wifh'es  of  every . 
American. 


To  the  You  NG  MEN  O/GREENSVILLE;. 

GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  addrefs  is  in  a  ftyle  to  convince 

.me, -that  you  are  not  degenerated  from  the 

t  \Mifdom  and  virtues  of  your  fathers,  and  that 

y-ou  will  preferve  the  fair  inheritance,  which 

they  defended  with  fo  much  fuccefs. 

The  claim  you  advance  to  fhare  in  the 
defence  of  your  country,  the  facrifices  ycm 
offer  to  make,  and  the  applaufe  you  beflow 
on  your  brothers  of  Philadelphia,  are  hon- 
orable to  your  characters.- 

A  a  2  If 


294          PATRIOTIC 

If  your  diftancc  had  not  prevented,  I 
Ihould  have  leen  you  in  Philadelphia  with 
pleafure. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


» 

RE-SOLUTIONS  unanimoufly  adopted  ly  a 
COMMITTEE  compofcd  of  a  DEPUTA- 
TION/row  each  MILITIA  COMPANY  of 
the.  forty-eighth  REGIMENT  in  the  County 

of  BOTETOURT. 

J  i 

I.  IT  is  the  opinion  of  this  meeting,  thai 
the  Prefident  of  the  United  States  not  only 
poiTefies,  but  is  entitled  to  the  confidence  of 
the  people  of  this  part  of  the  United  States. 

II.  That  it  is  with  extreme   regret,  we 
fee  the  attempts  of  fome  of  our  citizens  to 
detracl  from  his  real  merit,  and  propagate 
the  idea  of  difafreclion  to  an  excellent  gov- 
ernment and  its  adminiftration. 

III.  That   while  we   lament  any   caufe 
which  wbuld  tend  to  interrupt  the  tranquil- 
lity, profperity  and   independence,  which, 
under  Divine  Providence,  we  are  permitted 
at  prefent  to  enjoy,  we  will  with  firmnefs  re- 
pel any  attempts  to  wreft  thofe  bleffings  from 
us,  from  whatfoever  quarter  they  may  pro- 
ceed.    And  that  although  it  is  our  wifh  to 
be  at  peace  with  all  thq  world,  more  particu- 
larly with  the  French  republic,  we  lhall  pre- 
fer 


ADDRESSES. 

fer  hoftilities  even  with  that  .nation,  to  a 
proftration  of  our  rights,  and  that  ftate  of 
national  degradation  to  which  they  have 
lately  attempted  to  reduce  us. 

IV.  That  our  chairman  do  draft  an  ad- 
drefs  to  the  Prefident  of  the  United  States, 
in  the  fpirit  of  the  foregoing  refolutions-, 
and  expreffive  of  the  high  fenfe  we  entertain- 
of  his  firmnefs,  integrity  and  patriot! fm,  and 
that  he  eaufe  the  faid  refolutions  and  addrefs 
to  he  printed  in  fuch  of  the  Gazettes  of  the 
United  States  as  he  may  think  proper. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UN  ITEE>  STATED. 

i-j^j  iSIR, 
r-p 

JL  He  attention  of  the  people  of  this  coun- 
ty, awaked  by  the  alarming  crifis  of  Ameri- 
can affairs,  has  been  directed  to  the  meafures 
of  your  adminiftration  ;  and  they  declare 
with  an  unanimous  voice,  that  you  have  me- 
rited and  poffefs  their  entire  confidence. 
They  behold  with  with  extreme  regret,  the 
attempts  of  fome  of  their  fellow-citizens  to 
propagate  an  idea  of  difaffeclion  to  an  ex- 
cellent government  and  its  adminiftration  ; 
and  this  regret  is  accompanied  with  indig- 
nation, when  they  perceive  that  it  has  en- 
couraged in  a  foreign  country,  the  plan  of 
degrading  our  republic,  from  its  independ- 
ent ftation.  They  prize  moil  highly  the 

bleffings 


g96  P  A  T  R  1  O  T  I  € 

bleflings  of  peace  and  profperity,  which,  by 
the  Divine  favor,  they  at  prefent  enjoy; 
but  considering  them  as  the  fruits  of  the 
happy  government  of  their  choice,  they  will 
repel  any  attack  upon  its  independence, 
from  whatever  quarter  it  may  proceed.  It 
is  their  wifh  to  cultivate  peace  with  the 
whole  world,  a,nd  more  particularly  with  the 
French  republic  ;  but  they  cannot  confent 
for  this  objecl,  to  facrifice  the  honor  anfl 
independen.ee  of  the  nation,  without  which 
peace  mud  be  precarious  and  unblefTed. 

Permit  us  to  affaire  you,  Sir,  that  we  ad- 
mire the  confiftency  af  your  character  ;  and 
are  pleafed  to  fee  theTarrve  firmncfs,  integ- 
rity and  patriotifmat  the  prefent  day',  which 
you  fo-eminenily  difplay.ed  in  the  great,  cri- 
fis  of.the  American  revolution. 


To  the  COMMITTEE-  compofed  of  a  DEPU> 
TAT  ION  from  each  MILITIA  COMPANY 
of  the  Forty  -eighth  .REG.IMENT  in  the 
CD  un  ty  of  B  o  T  L.  T  o  u.  R  T  . 

GENTLEMEN, 

A  COPY  of  your  unanimous  refolu* 
tions  together  with  an  addrefs,  figned  by 
your  chairmanj  has  been  prefented  to  me 
by  one  of  your  reprefentatives  in  Congrefs, 
Mr.  Evans, 

The 


A  D  D  (R  E  S  S  E  S. 

The  confidence  of  the  people  of  Virginia, 
or  any  fuch  refpeclable  portion  of  them,  is 
peculiarly  agreeable  to  me,  as  it  evinces  a 
tendency  to  a  reftoration  of  that  harmony 
and  union,  which  I  weil  remember  to  have 
once  exifte,d,  and  which  was  fo  aufpicious 
to  the  American  catife,  but  which  has  been 
apparently  interrupted  fince  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Federal  government. 

It  is  fcarcely  poffibie  that  I  fhpuld  ever 
read  a  fcntence  more  delightful  to  my  heart, 
than  thofe  words,  "  We  admire  the  confift- 
cncy  of  your  charaQer,  and  are  pleafed  to 
fee  the  fame  firmne-fe,  integrity  an,d  patriot- 
ifm  at  the  prefent  day,  fo  eminently  difplay- 
ed  in  the  great  crifis.of  the  American  rev- 

clutlon-"  JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UN  IT  ED  STATES. 
SIR, 


a  moment  when  foreign  dangers 
threaten  our  peace,  and  when  thefe  dangers 
originate  in  an  opinion  that  our  government 
and  our  people  are  divided  in  fentiment, 
and  oppofed  in  intereft,  we,  inhabitants  of 
the  borough  ;of  Norfolk,  feel  ourfelves  im- 
pelled by  every  confideration  of  honor,  as 
men,  and  integrity,  as  citizens,  to  exprefs 
our  unfhaken  confidence  in  the  meafures  of 

our 


sg8          PATRIOTIC 

our  government,  and  our  unimpaired  attach- 
ment to  the  principles  of  our  conftitution. 

In  reviewing  thofe  meafures  of  our  gov- 
ernmentj  which  are  the  avowed  caufes  of 
the  unfriendly  conduct  -  which",  the.  French 
republic  has  pra&ifed  towards  us,  we  feel 
an  honeft  pride  in  expreffih'g  our  opinion, 
that  impropriety  or  cenfure  cannot  juitly 
attach  themfelves  to  thofe  meafures. 

In  examining  the  fteps  which  have  been 
purfued  to  obtain  an  amicable  adjuftment 
of  exifting  differences,  we  fee  with  pica fu re 
a  liberal,  candid  and  finccre  difpofition  on 
the  part  of  our  government,  to  relinquish 
every  fecondary  confideration  for  the  main- 
tenance of  peace;  we  regret  that  fhofe  dif- 
pofitions  have  not  been  met  with  fentiments 
equally  pacific,  with  a  temper  equally  con- 
ciliatory and  accommodating  on  the  part  of 
France. 

While  we  avow  the  friendly  interefl  which 
we  have  formerly  taken  in  the  affairs  of 
France,  we  reject,  with  honeft  indignation 
her  inadmiflible  demands  ;  we  •  fpurn  with 
manly  pride  the  imputations  of  difunion  an^ 
difaffeflipn  to  our  government,  on  which 
thefe  demands  wqre  founded. 

We  deprecate  a  war,  as  pregnant  with 
evils  to  all  countries,  and  particularly  inim- 
ical to  the  interefts  of  the  United  States ;  but 
we  are  at  the  fame  time  determined  not  to 

purchafe 


ADDRESSES,          299 

purchafe  peace  afc  the  price  of  that  national 
characler  and  individual  fecurity,  without 
which,  peace  ceafes  to  be  either  honorable 
or  defirable.. 

While,  therefore,  we- hope  that  .a  return- 
ing fenfc  of  juftice  and  moderation  on  the 
part  of  France,  will  terminate  our.  difagree- 
ments  by  friendly  explanation,  and  honora- 
ble reparation  ;  while  we  rely  that  our  own 
government  will  not  ceafe  to  avoid  war,  by 
every  mean,  confident  with  our  national 
honor,  and  compatible  with  our  national  in- 
tereft,  we  yet  trull  that  meafures  of  defence 
will  be  immediately  adopted,  and  that  OUT 
.country  will  be  prepared  to  meet  every  pof- 
fible  event. 

Should  thefc  meafures,  defenfive  in  their 
nature,  and  prompted  by  a  neceffary  regard 
to  our  unqueftionable  rights,  be  confidered 
as  indicative  of  a  hoflile  difpofition  to  the 
French-  republic,  the  government  of  the 
United  States  (lands  acquitted  to  its  citizens 
and  the  world.  Providence  alone  can  de- 
termine the  ifTue  :  we  pledge  ourfelves  that 
it  will  be  fortunate  fo  Jar  as  our  fteady  co- 
operation and  fupport  of  the  government 
can  render  it  fo. 


3oo          PATRIOTIC 

To  the  PRESIDENT  of  .the  UNITED  STATES, 
SIR, 

WE  the  fubfcribers,  inhabitants  of  the 
county  of  Middlefex,  in  the  State  of  Vir- 
ginia, now  offer  our  mofl  unfeigned  appro- 
bation of  the  wife  fyftem  which  governs 
your  adminiitration  in  purfuing  the  fame 
principle  of  neutrality  that  the  late  Prefident 
Wafhington  adopted  at  the  commencement 
of  this  war  among  the  European  powers,  a 
principle  that  hath  been  adhered  to  on  the 
part  of  the  United  States,  with  the  moft  in- 
violable faith.  You  have  evinced  that 
foundnefs  of  judgment,  which  every  man 
\vho  knew  your  character  as  a  ftatefman  an- 
ticipated,, when  the  voice  of  America  called 
you  to  the  f up  re  me  adminiftration  of  thefe 
States:  Scanning  your  conduct  fi  nee. your 
appointment,  with  the,  jealous  eye  that  vigi- 
lant freedom  fhould  ever  carry  over  execu- 
tory magidracy,  we  find  it  difficult  to  deter- 
mine whether  more  to  admire  your  wifdom^ 
or  your  firmnefs  and  moderation. 

The  late  difpatches  from  our  envoys  at 
Paris,  and  the  inftru&ions  giveivby  the  Ex- 
ecutive,(hew  beyond  the  poffibility  of  doubt, 
that  it  is  your  ardent  wifh  to  recur  to  every 
expedient  to  heal  the  differences,  that  ag- 
greflions  unprovoked,  have  occafioned  be- 
tween France  and  thefe  United  States  ;  and 

that 


£>  D  D  R  E  S  S  E .  S.          301 

that  your  moderation  carried  you  to  every 
length  to  accomplifh  this  objeft,  fliort  of  the 
refignation  of  the  independence  thefe  States 
had  acquired,  after  a  long  ftruggle^by  their 
courage,,  their  treafure,  and  their  blood* 

After  thefe  difpatches  and  inftruftions  re- 
ceived the  fulnefs  of  publjpty,  andexhibit-ed 
to  the  conviction  of  impartial  America,  the 
prudent  meafures  that  actuated  the  Prefident 
of  the  United  Slates,  .we  flattered  ourfelveg 
all  party  divifions  in  every  branch  of  our 
public  councils  would  be  at  onc.e  extinguifli- 
ed  ;  but,  though  this  defirable  refult  has  not 
as  yet  as  immediately  ep/ued  as  we  expect- 
ed, we  are  happy  to  find  the  people  at  large 
,in  every  part  of  triefe  States,  in  proportion 
,as  they  are  informed  and  enlightened  on  this 
greatly  interefting  object,  and.  fee  the  true 
.drift  of  the  conduct  of  the  fupreme  execu- 
tive power,  have  come  to  this  Determina- 
tion— To  fupport   their  country  in  all  its 
rights  of  independence,  at  whatever  expenfe 
of  treafure,  and  peril  of  perfon,  fooner  than 
fubmit  without  a  ftruggle  to  the  wanton  ex- 
aclions,  the  imperious  mandates,  and  the  in- 
jurious treatment  of  any  foreign  nation^ 


302          P  A:  T  R  I  O  T  f  C 

To  tilt  I  N  HA  B.I  T  AM  T  S   of  the  County  of  Ml  D- 

DLESEX. 
-GENTLEMEN, 

I.  THANK  you  for  this-addrefr.  pre- 
fented-  to  ;rne  by  -  your  -rcpfefehtative  -in 
Gongrefs*  Mr.  NCV.V 

•  The  principle  of  neutrality,  has  indeed 
been  maintained  on  the  part  of  the  United 
States  with  ir,violable  faith,  notwithflanding 
every  ennharraffment  and  provocation,  both 
of  injury -:arj.d;  infu'lt,  .'unlit  we  have  hccn 
-forced  out  of  it.  by  an  atlual  war  made  up- 
-on  us,  thoug:h  not  manfully  declared. 

For  realcns  that  are  obvious'  to  ail  the 
world,  you  may  eafily  imagine,  that  every 
inanifefration  of  candor  towards  me  from  any 
part'  of  Virginia,  mull  be  peculiarly  agreea- 
ble—the 'hnndforrie  .expreffions  of  your  ap- 
probation deferve  my  tharrks.  Every  thing 
has  been  done,  fliort  of  aTefignation  of  our 
independence — a  refignation  of  our  inde- 
pendence !  I  bluih'to'  Writ^  the  words;  there 
would  be  as  much  fenfe  Jn  fpeaking  of  a  re- 
fignation of  the  independence  of  France  or 
Germany,  or  Ruffia  :  We  are  a  nation  as 
much  eftablifhed  as-any  of  them,  and  as  able 
to  maintain  our  fovereignty,  abfolute  and 
unlimited  by  fea  and  land,  as  any  of  them. 

It  is  too  much  to  expe6t,.-that  all  party 
divifions  will  be  done  away,  as  long  as  there 
are  rival  States  arid  rival  individuals;  all 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.          303 

we  can  reafonably  hope;  is,  and  this  we  may 
confidently  expect, .that  no  State  or  individ- 
ual, to  gratify  its  ambition,  will  en-lift  under 
foreign  banners. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


•fo  Md'PRESlDENT  ofthcUxn'ZD  STATES1. 

In1' 

SIR,. 

1  HE  'inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Bed- 
ford, and   State   of  Virginia,   beg  leave,  at 
jthis  •important  .crifis,   to  join    the  general 
'v'oTcc  of  their  fellow  cili'zens'  in' othcrparts 
of  the  United  States,  in  cxpreffihg"to' "you. 
[their  fincere   approbation  of ;the  meafures 
*.which  have  been  adopted  by  the'Executive, 
to   preferve  the   b-Leilir.^  of  -peace  to  this 
country,  and  particularly  to  reddre  harmo- 
'Ky  .'with  the   French   republic  ;    we   reflect 
-with,  gratitude,    on    the    eanicll   folicitude, 
and  Fuccefsful  endeavors  of  your  illuftrious 
predecellor,  to.  avoid  a  participation  in  the 
dedrailive   confeqpences   of  an  .European 
M>yar..jr  aud  v/e  acknowledge,  with  pieafiireta 
correfpondent  fentiment,  on  a  review  of  the 
wiie,,firm  and  patriotic    meafures  of  your 
adminiftration. 

Although  we  deprecate  war  with  any  na- 
tion, and  deplore  the  profpecl  that  now 
threatens  our  peace,  yet  under  fuch  aufpi- 


|04          PATRIOTIC 

ces,  and  relying  on  the  unanimity  of  the 
people,  the  juftice  of  our  caufe,  and  the  pro- 
tection of  Divine  Providence,  \ve  look  for- 
ward with  confidence  to  a  favorable  iffue, 
even  with  that  nation,  who,  flufhed  -with 
victory,  has infolently  threatened  our  coun- 
try with  '  the' humiliating  fate  of  many  of 
ihofe  powers  fhe  has  conquered.  The  ex- 
ercife  of  foreign  influence  in  the  United 
States,  is  fo  degrading,  that  every  Ameri- 
can, we  trull,  will  repel,  with  indignation, 
any  attempts  of  the  kind.  For  ourfelves, 
we  difdain  the  fpirit  that  would  bend~  to  a 
mean  fubferviency  to  the  views  of  any  pow- 
er whatever. 

Fesling  an  unlimited  attachment  to  and 
.confidence  in  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  we  do  not  hefitate  to  declare  our  de- 
termination to  fupport,  to  the  utmoil  of  our 
power,  every  rneafure  deemed  necefTary  for 
the  defence,  honor  and'  intereft  of  our  coun^ 
try. 

And  we  implore  the  Supreme  Ruler  of 
events  to  continue  your  ftrength  of  bod}7 
<&id  mind,  fo  that  you  may  terminate  the 
prefent  unhappy  filtration  of  piir  affairs  with 
honor  to  yburfoJf.,  and  with  glory  to  trrefe 
United  States, 


a  D'iDOUE':S'S  -E  §.        :3o5 

. 

To :]OHN'  AlVANlS,  PIIESIDENT  of-  the 
UNITED  STATES.   ' 

SIR,         •  :  . 

YOUR  fellow-citizens  of  the  county  of 
Weilnrorelarfd  cannot,  at  this  important  cri- 
Fis,  withhold  their  offering  of  gratitude  and 
re fp eft  to  their  chief,  magiftrate,  as  well  to 
affure  him  of  their  unfhaken  decifion  at  all 
t  i  m  e  s ,  a  n.d  o  n  all  o  c  c  a  fi  o  n  s '  t  o  in  a  i  n  t  a  i  n  i  n  y  j  - 
olate  the  irKlep'endcncc  o!'  their  country,  as 
to.  relieve  the  reputation  of  the  American 
nation  from  the  unfounded  a fperfioifs  which 
the  agents  of  a  foreign  country  have  aflerted 

•irij'fupport  of  .wrongs  int1i6^ed,  in  conte;mj>t 
of  a.folernn  treaty  of  friendThip,  on  our 'uri- 

' offending  peaceable  fe'Uow-cit'izens,  and  of 
demands  made  on  the  honor  and  purfe  of 
our  country. 

The  declaration  that  our  people  are  hof- 
tile  to  a  government  .made  by  themfelv^s, 
.for  th-Cm (elves,  and  conducted  by  them- 
felves,  is"  an  in fult,  malignant:  in  its  nature 
and  extenfiye  in  its  milchief  :  While  it  fup- 
ports  the  opinion  that  the  eiTbrts-of  the  ac- 
cufing  nation  have,urider  the  cover  of  amity, 
promoted  the  deepeft  injury,  it  -fhews  too 
tlveit'on  the  fucceft  of  this  favorite  fcheme 
do:  they  chiefly  rely  for  the  execution  of 
their  wicked  projects.  On  our  enemy  the 
acknowledgment  pours  down  fhame  and 
confufionj  and  is  to  our  countrymen  a  mon- 
B  b  a  itory 


PATRIOTIC 

itory  leffbn,  from  which  great  good  we  truft 
•will  be  derived. 

That  freemen  fhould  differ  in  opinion 
concerning  the  meafures  of  their  govern- 
ment, is  not  only  to  be  expe&ed,  but  is  even 
to  be  defired,  when  obedient  to  law,  and 
guided  by  love  of  country  :  but  differences 
like  thefe  (and  we  believe  that,  generally 
Tpeak'ing,  only  fuch  have  exifted  among  us) 
•while  they  prove  the  general  happinefs,  may 
be  confidered  as  fure  pledges  of  united  ef- 
forts to  defend  that  government  from  infult 
and  injury,  under  whofe  wing  all  participate 
alike  in  the  felicity  it  diffufes.  If  we  fhould 
unfortunately  hold  in  our  bofom  citizens 
bearing  the  American  name,  and,  deflitute 
of  the  American  heart,  they  rnuft  be  few  in 
number-;  and  wife  laws,  firmly  executed, 
•will  fpeedily  cure  every  evil  flowing  from 
this  fource  :  To  the  wifdom  of  Congrefs  we 
look  for  the  remedy,  arid  in  your  paternal 
vigilance  and  immoveable  firirinefs  we  rely 
for  its  effectual  application. 

When  our  forefathers  exchanged  their 
j^tiye  country  for  the  wildernefs  of  Ameri- 
ca, dev(?!-i°n-to  their  God,  obedience  to  the 
principles  of  morality,  love  of  liberty  guided 
by  love  of  order,  were  their  governing  prin- 
ciples :  This  precious  inheritance  our  fath- 
ers cherifhed  with  fmcere  affeBion  ;  and  in 
a  late  awful  trial,  to  the  influence  of  thefe 

firft-rate 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S. 

jBrft-rate  rules  on  our  infant  nation,  may 
with  truth  he  chiefly  afcribed  the  glorious 
iflue  of  our  common  toils  and  common  dan- 
gers. That  iffue  we  hold  in  truft  for  our 
polterity,  and  that  truft  we  will  never  for- 
feit. Since  that  period  we  have  grown 
ftrong  by  union.  Where  is  the  nation  that 
can  coerce  United  Columbia  into  iubmif- 
fion  ?  The  fun  has  not  yet  {hone  upon  it. 

We  love  peace — we  hate  war ;  but  we 
prize  our  hondr  too  highly  to  wifh  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  firft,  or  to  turn  from  the  pe- 
rils of  the  1  aft, .with  a  degraded  name.  We 
believe  too  (and  in  this  belief,  paft  as  well 
as  prefent  experience  juflifies  us)  that  the 
fureft  way  to  prefer ve  peace,  is  to  be  pre- 
pared for  war.. 

Your  fincere  and  dignified  endeavors  to 
conciliate  differences,  to  obtain  reftitution 
for  wrongs,  and  your  determination  to  fa- 
crifice  all  iecoiKlary  confiderations  on  the 
altar  of  peace;  iheds  new  luftre  on  your 
well-earned  fame,  and  adds  a  new  title  to 
your  eftablifhed  claim  on  the  admiration 
and  gratitude  of  your  fellow-citizens. 

Conciliation  being  rejected',  war  contin- 
ued, one  courfe  only  was  Ifcft  by  which  na- 
tional difgrace  could  be  inflantly  arrcfted, 
and  national  exiflence  permanently  main- 
tained. That  happy  eotirfe  you  have. taken 
with  d«cifion,  franknefs  and  fortitude  ;  we 

cannot 


30-8         .P  A  T'-R'I  O  T  I   C 

cannot  hefuate  in  the^pait  becoming  us  tt> 
acl  :  In  peace  we  obey  the  laws  ;  we  f oiler 
the  union  of  the  States.;  we  i  nlpi  re  our  chil- 
dren-, with  love  of  virtue,  of  tlieir '.'country, 
and  their  God  :  In  war  we  know  but  one 
•additional  .  obligation-?—  to  die  in  the.  laft 
ditch,  or  uphold  our  nation.  This  facred 
duty  \ve  will  teach  by  our  example  ;  and  in 
full,  reliance-on  thejuitice  of  our  caufe,  we 
are  prepared  to  meet  .every. event  to  which 
\ve  may.be  expofed,  with  a  refolution  de- 
fer ving  yielory. 

•  To_the  Almighty  Ruler  of  nations  we 
humbly,  commend  o;ur  country  and  OUT 
PreGde.ntvancl  we  implore  him  to  pour  up- 
on-them  the  co,ntinu-al  dew  of,  his/.bleffing. 


jr\T* 


,  JOHN.,  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  •  the- 

UN  I.TED  ST-ATES.. 
SIR,, 

a'c'rifis  when  the  fbvereignty  of  ,our 
country  is  aifailecl  :  when  demands  are  made 
upon  us  by  a  foreign   nation,  altogether  in- 
compatible \vith  our  honor  and;  independ- 
ence and  when  in  ca-fe  of  a  refufal  to  accede 
.to  thofe  demands,  even  our.  national  exilt- 
,enoe  is  threatened;   when  we-  have  reafon 
to   believe  that  an  opinion  has  gone-  forth 
(which  has  contributed  to  produce  this  con- 
that  we  are  a   people  divided  among 

oui  (elves 


ADDRESSES.         gog 

ottrfelves  by  faction  and  party  fpirit,  dif- 
tra&ed  by  feuds  and  a'nimofities.  and  fepa- 
rated  from  our  government,  both  by  opinion 
and  intereft  ; — we,  the  inhabitants  of  the 
county  of  Accomack  in  the  State  of  Vir- 
ginia, convened  in  full  meeting  at  the  court- 
lioufe  of  the  faid  county,  by  previous  public 
notice,  feel  ourfelves  called  upon  by  duty, 
as  well  as  inclination,  to  declare,  and  we  do 
unanimoufly  declare,  pur  entire  approba- 
tion of  the  meafures  which  have  hitherto 
been  purfued  by  our  government — our  con- 
fident reliance  that  fuch  only  will  in  future 
be  purfued  as  will  comport  with  the  honor 
and  intereft  of  our  country- -and  .our  un- 
ceaiing  attachment  to  the  principles  of  our 
conftitutiom. 

We  declare  our  conviction  that  our  gov- 
ernment has  manifefted  a  mod  earned  defire 
to  preferve  peace  with  all  nations,  particu- 
larly with  the  French  republic  ;  that  upon 
a  fair  and  candid  review  of  the  conduct  of 
our  government,  we  difcover  nothing  which. 
ought  to  have  given  umbrage  to  that  repub- 
lic, or  which  can  in  any  wife  juflify  her  nu-  , 
merous  aggreiTions  on  the  perfons  and  prop- 
erties of  our  citizens,  in  direcl  violation  of 
the  laws  of  nations,  and  in  contravention  of 
her  exifting  treaties  with  us  :  and  that  even 
fince  thofe  multiplied  cauies  of  diiTati;;fac- 
HJtlon  haye  elided,  theirnealures  purfued  tpf\y- 
ards  that  countiy  have  been  marked  by  a 

fpttik 


3io          PATRIOTIC 

fpirit  of  mildnefs  and  conciliation.,- fiicli  as 
ought  tQjhave  realized  our  rcafonableihopesj 
that  they  would  prove  fuccelsful. 

If  is  with  the  utmoft  concern  and'  regret, 

O  * 

"therefore,  that  .we  pefcHvc  thole  efforts  to 
maintain  harmony,-  and  to  avert  the  calam- 
ities of  war  with  that  republic,  aie  likely  to 
prove  abortive,  and  that  our  advarrccV  tow- 
'ards  an  amicable  adjufhnent  of' -exiiH'rig  dif- 
•  fere  noes- have  not  been  met  by  a  like  friendly 
and  pacific  difpoihion  on  the  part  of  the 
"French  nation,  but  that  conditions  have 
been  effaycd  to  be  itnpofed  upon  our  coun- 
try, which  they  have  feme-times  ralij'cl  their 
•fifter' republic,  that  Voulcl  be  drf;rciding:to 
a  free  nation,  ia'ivd  fuch  as  we  do  not  hefitate 
to  reject  with  indignation. 

Although  we  view  war  as  particularly  in-- 
jurious  to  the  interells  of  our  co'untry.  yet 
we  confider  it  as  an  evil  of  lei's  magnitude 
than  national  degradation.  'While  there- 
fore1, we  would  fain  indulge  a  hope,  that  thfe 
French  republic  may  return  to  a  fenfe  of 
"juitice,  by  withholding  further  a 61  s 'of  ho.f- 
tility  and  outrage,  by  making  reparation  for 
thofe  already  committed,  and  by  doting 
.  with  overtures  made  for  the  reftoration  oi' 
harmony  and  a  friendly  intercourfe  between 
the  two  countries,  upon  the  broad  bafis  of 
equal  right  and  reciprocal  benefit  ; — we 
truft  our  country  will  be  prepared  to  meet 

the 


A-D  DRESS  E  S.          311 

the  contrary  event,  and  to  afTert  and  main- 
tain her  rights  wklvfiFfmTefsj-even  at  the  ex- 
pcnfc  ol  war  'with  -rall  us  horrorfc.; 

'  *  f  •     .  ' ;     . 


\V  iJdL^vv.i      iuv^t,ii.vti^-o     ».ji^^j  x*»      %--  •  *  -   4     .  ,>;„,.    ..  \ 

adnyiuilh-ationcn'ourgbveriVincntOiairdeem 
conducive  to  the  interetb,  and  confident 
with  the  honor  of  the  naii on  :  'and  we  pledge 
our  lives,  our  fortunes,  and  all  we  hold  clear, 
uponthefucccrsortheiffuc. 

^         •  ^;/, 

<..«~<«^>««<^^^t5><"1<S'">'*>"> 

•"To  the  I  N  H  A  B  i  T  A  N  T  s  of  A c c o M  A  c  K  County. 


.uI./PRAY;you  to  accept  myth-anks  for 
.your.unanimous  addrefs,  replete  with  leiui- 
inents  truly.  American. 

Your  coRviclion   that  your  government 
thas  manifefled  a  moft  earned  and  fincere 
,defire  to  prefervc  peace   with  all   nations, 
particularly  with  the  French  republic  ;  your 
.declaration  that  upon  a  candid  review  of  the 
conducl  of  your  government,  you  can  dif- 
cover  nothing  which  ought  to  have  given 
umbrage  to  .that   republic,  or   which  can  in 
any  wife  juftify  her  numerous   aggreflions 
on  the  perfons  and  properties  of  our  citi- 
zens, in   direcl  violation   of  the  law  of<  na- 
tions, and  in    contravention  of  her  exifting 
treaties  with  us— ought  to  give  entire  fatis- 
Jfaftion  to  the  gdvcrmnem.  Y 


3i2          PA  I  R  I  O  T  I  € 

Your  concern  and  regret,  that  tbofe  ef- 
forts to  maintain  harmony,  have  proved 
.abortive,  are  natural  and  common  to  you 
and  me,  and  all  our  fellow-citizens,  but  can 
be  of  no  ufe  ;  inftead  of  dwelling  on  our  re- 
grets, we  muft  explore  our  refources.  Al- 
though we  may  view  war  as  particularly 
injurious  to  the  interefts  of  our  country. 
Providence  may  intend  it  for  our  good,  and 
we  mull  fubmit.  That  it  is  a  lefs  evil  than 
national  di(honor,no  man  of  fenfeand  fpirit 
\vill  deny. 

I  have  no  hope  that  the  French  republic 
will  foon  return  to  a  fenfe  of  juflice. 

Your  promife  to  co-operate  in  whatever 
meafures  government  may  deem  conducive 
to  the  interelis,  and  confident  with  the  hon- 
or of  the  nation,  and  your  pledge  of  your 
lives  and  fortunes,  and  all  you  hold  dear, 
upon  the  fucceis  of  the  ifTue,  are  in  the  true 
/pint  of  men,  of  freemen,  of  Americans  and 
genuine  republicans. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the 

UNITED  STATES. 
S I  R, 

W  E,  the  fubfcribers, a  committee  appoint- 
ed by  a  refpe&able  meeting  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Harrifon  county,  in  the  Common- 
wealth 


ADDRESSES.          313 

vealth  of  Virginia,  h olden  Sit  Clarkfburgb, 
far  the  purpofe  of  exprcffing  their  fentiments 
of  the  meafures  purfued  by  our  government 
with  refpeft  to  France — beg  leave  to  aflure 
you,  that  although  among  the  laft  in  addreff- 
ing,'we  are  not  lefs  attached  to  our  govern- 
ment— a  government   calculated  to  enfurs 
liberty  and  happinefs   to  its   citizens.     In 
plain  undifguifed  language,  we  do  not  hefi- 
tate  to  declare,  that  the  meafures  you  have 
taken   to  promote  a    good    underftanding, 
harmony  and  peace,  between  this   country 
and  France,  appear  to  us  becoming  your 
character,   and   deferving  our    confidence. 
But  her  refufal  to  meet  your  condefcending1 
plans  of  accommodation,  except  upon   the- 
condition  of  an  advance  of  money,  evinces 
-on  her  part  a  fpirit  of  avarice  and  tyranny, 
-unknown  among  civilized  nations,  in  mod- 
ern times;  and  evidently  fhews,  that  having 
^become   haughty  and  arbitrary  by  her  fuc- 
-•ceffes,  (he  means  to  a£t  as  did  ancient  Rome. 

But,  Sir,  we  can  congratulate  you  on  her 

difappointment,  in  an  effential  matter,  upon 

wwhich  flie  calculated  highly — The  want  of 

attachment  to  our  government,  and  a  divi- 

fion  of  fentiment  in  regard  to  that  nation. 

With  infinite  fatisfaftion  muft  every  true 

American  view,  that  the  alarm  of  war  has 

filenced  all  effential  differences  in  opinion, 

and  a  union  of  fentiment  appears  to  prevail 

C  c  univerfally 


PATRIOTIC 

univerfally  throughout  our  land  ;  and  the 
day,  we  trull,  is  not  far  diftant,  when  the 
odious  difiinclion  of  arijlocrat  and  democrat 
will  be  done  away,  and  as  one  man  we  (hall 
unite  in  the  common  caufe.  Had  the  de- 
fired  object  been  obtained,  upon  the  juft 
and  honorable  terms  propofed,  we  would 
have  cheerfully  united  with  the  warineft  ad- 
vocates for  peace,  the  moft  lively  expref- 
lioRS  of  mutual  congratulation. — We  cannot 
forget,  that  the  very  genius,  and  principles 
of  the  religion  we  profefs,  teaches  us,  as 
much  as  pofiible,  to  live  peaceably  with  all 
men  ;  yet  we  conceive  it  not  poffible  to 
maintain  a  friendly  correfpondence,  or  even 
to  be  at  peace  with  a  nation,  that  under  the 
rnafk  of  philanthropy  commits  the  greatefl 
cruelties,  exerciles  the  moft  defpotic  fway, 
deftroys  all  cwder,  and  eftablifhes  impiety  by 
law.  Viewing  the  matter  in  this  light,  \ve 
.do  not  wonder,  that  the  mod  juft,  wife  and 
patriotic  overtures  of  peace  with  the  French 
nation,  have  proved  abortive.  Be  allured, 
therefore,  although  war  may  be  the  confe- 
quence  of  your  fteady  attachment  to  our 
real  interefts,  we  would  rather  immediately 
be  called  forth  into  the  field  of  battle,  in  {"up- 
port  of  fuch  meafures  as  the  conftituted  au- 
thorities of  the  Union  (hall  adopt,  for  the 
defence  and  maintenance  of  our  national 
independence,  than  enjoy  a  momentary  de- 
lufive  purchased  peace. 

We 


ADDRESSES.         315 

We  truft,  that  the  God  of  our  armies  will 
aid  us  in  defending,  what  we  thankfully  en- 
joy as  his  gift  —  and  impute  the  guilt  of  of- 
fenfive  war,  to  thofe,  who  have  rejected  the 
offers  of  peace  ;  who,  without  provocation, 
have  plundered  us  on  the  high  feas  ;  who 
have  endeavoured  to  fubvert  our  govern- 
ment by  the  mean  arts  of  feduclion,  and  even 
now  threaten  us  with  revenge,  unlefs  we 
will  fuccour  them  in  their  ambitious  views 
of  univerfal  dominations 

May  that  God  who  has  graciotifly  placed 
you  at  the  head  of  our  national  affairs,  long 
preferve  your  life,  and  make  you  the  happy 
inftrument  of  conducting  us  with  fafety 
through  this  impending  dorm. 


To  ^INHABITANTS  o/H  ARRISON  County. 

GENTLEMEN, 

I  HAVE  received  with  great  pleafure 
your  addrefs,  from  your  committee.  The 
attachment  you  profefs  to  our  government, 
calculated  as  it  is,  to  enfure  liberty  and  hap- 
pinefs  to  its  citizens,  is  commendable.  Your 
declarations,  in  plain  and  undifguifed  lan- 
guage, that  the  meafures  which  have  been 
taken  to  promote  a  good  underftanding, 
peace  arid  harmony,  between  this  country 
and  France,  are  becoming  my  character  and 
deferving  your  confidence,  is  a  great  encour- 

agement 


.  316          PATRIOTIC 

agement  to  me.     With  you,  I  fee  with  infi- 
nite fatisfaclicn,  that  the  alarming  profpeEi 
of  a  war,  which  is  feen  to  be  juft  and  neccf- 
fary,  has  filenced  all  efiential  differences  of 
opinions,  and  that  a  union  of  fentiments  ap- 
pears to  prevail  very  generally  throughout 
our  land.     I  believe,  however,  that  the  dif- 
linclion  of  arijlocrat  and  democrat,  however 
odious  and   pernicious  it  may  be  rendered* 
by  political   artifice  at  particular   conjunc- 
tures, will  never  be  done   away,  as  long  as 
fome  men  are  taller,  and  others  fhorter,  fome 
\vifer,  and  others  fillier,  fome  more  virtuous, 
and  others  more  vicious,  fome  richer,  and 
others  poorer.     The  diftinftion  is  grounded 
on  unalterable  nature,  and   human  wifdom 
cati  do  no  more  than   reconcile  the  parties 
by  equitable  eftablifhments  and  equal  laws> 
fecuring,  as  far  as  poffible,  to  every  one,  his 
own.     The  diftin&ion  was  intended  by  na- 
ture, for  the  order  of  fociety,  and  the  benefit 
of  mankind.     The  parties  ought  to  be  like 
the  fexes,  mutually  beneficial  to  each  oth- 
er.     And  woe  will  be  to  that  country,  which 
fupinely  fufTers  malicious    demagogues   to 
excite  jealoufies,   foment   prejudices,   and 
Simulate  animofities  between  them. 

I  adore  with  you  the  genius  and  princi- 
ples of  that  religion,  which  teaches,  as  much 
as  poffible,  to  live  peaceably  with  all  men  ; 
yet  it  is  impoffible  to  be  at  peace  with  injuf- 
tice  and  cruelty ^  wih  fraud  and  violence,  with 

deffotifm^ 


ADDRESSES.          3*7 

defpotifm^  anarchy  and  impiety.  A  pur  cha- 
fed peace  would  continue  no  longer  than 
you  continued  to  pay  ;  and  the  field  of  bat- 
tle at  once,is  infinitely  preferable  to  a  courfe 
of  perpetual  and  unlimited  contribution. 

Deeply  afrec~led  with  your  prayers  for  the 
continuance  of  my  life,  I  can  only  fay,  that 
my  age  arid  infirmities  fcarcely  allow  me  a 
hope  of  being  the  happy  inftrument  of  con- 
dueling  you  through  the  impending  ftorm. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


From  the  INHABITANTS  of  the  County  of 
CAMPBELL,  to  His  Excellency  JOHN 
ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITE.D 
STATES. 

SIR, 

AF  the  American  government  dare  nor 
make  treaties  with  other  nations  without  the 
confent  of  France  ;  if  the  Prefidcnt  of  the' 
United  States  dare  not  communicate  to 
Congrefs  the  ftate  of  the  Union  without  con- 
iulting  France  ;  if  we  are  to  be  plundered 
of  millions  by  the  French,  and  dare  not  re- 
fent  it  ;  if  we  are  to  bribe  the  moft  corrupt 
government  under  the  fun,  and  become  trib- 
utary to  it  ;  in  fine,  if  we  are  to  fubmit  to 
infults  without  number,  or  injuries  unbound- 
ed; and  keep  our  mouths  fealed,  and  our 
C  c  2  hands 


318         PATRIOTIC 

hands  chained  behind  us  ; — delufive  indeed 
is  our  independence,  and  in  vain  have  our 
anceflors  fought  and  fpilled  the  beft  blood 
of  America. 

Peace  to  us  is  truly  defirable  ;  we  wifh 
to  enjoy  it  ;  but  France  feems  determined 
to  break  down  that  vine  and  fig-tree3  under 
which  we  were  repofing. 

America, and  all  the  woHd,except  France, 
can  voflch  for  the  fincerity  of  your  exer- 
tions, to  preferve  an  honorable  peace  ;  and 
we  verily  believe  that  the  whole  tenor  of 
your  adminiftration  has  been  bottomed  on 
a  fincere  wifh  for  the  real  welfare  of  our 
common  country,  aided  by  eminent  talents 
and  the  moft  folid  judgment. 

As  well  wifhers  to  all  mankind,  we  mould 
feel  abundant  pleafure  in  feeing  the  French 
people  peaceably  fettled  under  a  well  organ- 
i/ed  government ;  but  the  name  or  nature 
of  it  is  to  us  a  matter  of  indifference,  if  they 
fhould  be  fatisfied  ; — but  our  good  wifhes 
do  not  carry  us  io  far  as  to  be  willing  to 
abandon  to  them  one  particle  of  our  inde- 
pendence, to  fubmit  quietly  to  their  in- 
trigues, or  to  be  drawn  from  that  path  which 
we  have  a  right  to  purfue.  We  love  our 
government,  and  believe  it  to  be  the  bePt 
under  the  fun  ;  we  place  the  higheft  confi- 
dence in  the  conftituted  authorities,  and 
tiuft  that  the  Executive  will  purfue  fuch 

meafures 


I 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S.         319 

meafures  as  may  bed  conduce  to  our  wel- 
fare. It  wo-uld  be  fuperfluous  to  add.  that 
our  perfons  and  property  are  ready  to  pra- 
ted our  independence  ; — and  that  you  may 
long  continue  its  firm  fupporter,  is  the  fin- 
cere  wifti  of  the  citizens  of  Campbell. 


From   the  INHABITANTS   of  SHEPHERD'S 
TOWN  and  its  vicinity,  in,  the  County  of 
BERKLEY,  to  JOHN   ADAMS,  PRESI- 
DENT of  the  UNITED  STATES- 
SIR, 

N  the  prefent  eventful  period,  when  un- 
remitting depredations  are  committed  on 
our  commerce,  wanton  cruelty  exercifed  on 
our  feamen,  the  general  government  tradu- 
ced, the  Executive  vilified,  and  our  very 
exiftence  threatened  by  the  French  govern- 
ment, and  that  through  the  means  of  our 
own  citizens  ;  we  efteem  it  a  duty  we  owe 
to  our  country,  to  ourfelves  and  to  pofteri- 
ty,  publicly  to  declare  our  fentiments,  and 
to  offer  every  fupport  in  our  power  to  the 
constituted  authorities.  We  therefore  de- 
clare to  you,  Sir,  that  we  are  of  opinion  you 
have  done  every  thing  that  under  the  exift- 
ing  circtimftances  could  be  done,  with  due 
regard  to  the  general  fafety,  true  honor  and 
effential  intereft  of  the  United  States,  to 
cultivate  a  good  underftandingand  preferve 
?  i.j»i-  peace 


320          PATRIOTIC 

peace  with  the  French  nation.  And  that 
through  the  unexampled  perfidy  and  unpar- 
alleled bafenefs  of  the  conduct  of  that  gov- 
ernment towards  ITS,  nothing  further  can  be 
attempted  confident  with  the  maxims  that 
conftitute  the  bafis  of  our  national  fover- 
eignty.  And  we  further  declare  to  you, 
Sir,  and  to  the  world,  that  your  adminiftra- 
tion  of  the  executive  government  in  all 
refpecls,  meets  our  mod  cordial  and  hearty 
approbation;  and  fhoulda  ftorm  await  and 
our  enemies  affail  us,  while  by  the  bleffing 
of  Providence  we  have  ample  refources,and 
a  chief  magiftrate  at  the  helm  defervedly 
pofleffing  our  confidence,  while  we  have  a 
right  to  hope  for  the  energetic  concurrence 
of  the  legiilative  branches,  and  can  appeal 
to  Heaven  for  the  juflnefs  of  our  caufe,  we 
fear  no  confequences,  but  are  determined  in 
any  event  to  fupport  the  government  of  our 
own  choice  with  our  lives  and  fortunes. 


To  the  IN  H  AB  i T AN TS-O/ SHEPHERD'S  TOWN 
an d  its  vicinity >,  in  the  County  ofE  E  R  K  L  E  Y  . 

GENTLEMEN, 

THE  generous  fentiments  of  approba- 
tion and  confidence  conveyed  in  this  nervous 
addrefs,  command  my  particular  refpe6l. 

I  had  never  until  lately,  any  expectation, 
that  I  iliould  live  to  fee   unremitted  depre- 
dations 


A  D  D  R  E  S  S  E  S. 

Rations  committed  on  our  commerce, 
ton  cruelties  exercifed  on  our  fearnen,  our 
general  government  traduced,  the  execu- 
tive authority  vilified,  and  our  very  exift- 
ence  threatened,  through  the  means  of  our 
citizens, or  any  other,  with  impunity.  I  had 
no  fufpicion  indeed,  that  mankind  would 
ever  have  taken  it  into  their  heads,  to  try 
over  again,  experiments  which  had  been  a 
million  times  tried,  and  always  found  evil. 

I  am  happy  in  your  opinion,  that  every 
thing  has  been  done,  under  the  exilUng  cir- 
cumftances,  that  could  be  done  by  me,  with 
a  due  regard  to- the  general  fafety,true  honor 
and  effential  interefts  of  the  United  States. 
With  you  I  clearly  agree,  that  nothing  fur- 
ther can  be  attempted,  confidently  with  the 
maxims  that  conRitute  the  bafis  of  our  na- 
tional fovereignty. 

Your  cordial  approbation  of  my  adminif- 
tration  of  the  executive  government,  in  all 
refpe&s  is  highly  honorable  and  affecYing  to. 
me. 

Should  our  enemies  afTail  us  at  home,  you 
have  no  reafon  to  doubt  of  the  energet- 
ic concurrence  of  the  legislative  branches, 
whofe  knowledge  of  our  ample  refources, 
mud  give  them  all  neceflary  firmnefs  ;  whofe 
perfuafion  of  the  juftice  of  our  caufe,  will 
enable  them  to  make  the  laft  appeal  when 
neceffary,  and  whofe  American  hearts  will 

:;*k.  prompt 


322          PATRIOTIC 

prompt  them  to  fupport  their  country,  \viih 
their  lives  and  fortunes^  in  common  with 
their  fellow-citizens. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


N  O  R  T  H-C  A  R  O  L  I  N  A. 


To  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNITED  STATES. 

SIR, 

1  HE  inhabitants  of  the  town  ofNewberrv 
find  an  excufe  for  the  freedom  they  exer- 
cife  in  this  addrefs  to  you,  in  the  critical  and 
alarming  fituarion  of  the  government,  in  a 
common  concern  for  the  prefervation  of  its 
honor  and  independence,  and  in  the  warm 
approbation  they  entertain  of  your  conduct 
fmce  you  have  filled  the  office  of  chief  mag- 
iftrate  of  the  United  States.  —  You  were  call- 
ed to  it.  Sir,  at  a  crifis  fraught  with  difficulty 
and  danger,  when  neither  the  improved  (kill 
in  the  management  of  affairs,  nor  the  pureft 
integrity  of  intention  could  enfure  an  entire 
exemption  from  cenfure-^At  a  crifis  "\vhen 
the  honor,  intereft  and  happinefs  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  required  that  a  diftincl  and  im- 
partial neutrality  mould  be  fairly  maintained 
with  all  foreign  powers,  but  which  an  artful 
and  infidious  fet  of  men  at  the  head  of  the 
government  of  the  French  republic,  were 

laboring 


ADDRESSES.          323 

laboring  to  interrupt  and  deftroy — Abroad 
it  required  a  conftant  exertion  of  the  mod 
wary  and  aclive  penetration,  to  elude  the 
toils  they  had  fet  for  it,-— and  at  home,  \vhere 
you  had  a  right  to  look  for  a  cordial  fupport, 
and  a  zealous  and  unanimous  co  operation, 
you  were  forced  to  fuftain  your  meafures 
againft  the  efforts  of  a  deluded  emhufiafm, 
propagated  in  the  minds  of  fome  of  our  fel- 
Jow-citizens,  by  an  ill-grounded  attachment 
to  the  French  caufe.  But  with  a  fteady 
perfeverance  and  .exemplary  firmnefs  of 
mind  which  no  obftacles  could  weary,  nor 
mifreprefcntations  difcourage,you  haveper- 
fifted  in  a  regular  and  ftedfaft  courfe  of 
meafures  happily  adjufted  to  the  promotion 
of  the  honor  of  our  national  character,  the 
advancement  of  our  national  profperity  and 
the  prefervation  of  our  national  rights— ^And 
it  may  be  the  felicity  and  the  boaft  of  the 
citizens  of  the  United  States,  that  in  the  fe- 
ries  of  thefe  various  and  critical  events,  the 
firmnefs  and  independency  of  your  mind 
never  once  deferted  you,  and  that  all  the 
fleps  you  have  taken  have  been  guided  by 
wifdom,  upon  a  clear  and  judicious  know- 
ledge~of  the  characters  with  whom  you  had 
to  deal,  and  upon  a  jealous  and  anxious  re- 
gard for  the  honor,  happinefs  and  inde- 
pendence of  the  government. 

Now  that  the  hoftile  and  views  and  nefa- 
rious .defigns  of  the  French  republic  towards 

the 


324  PATRIOTIC 

the  government  of  the  United  States  have 
been  expofed  by  the  publication  of  the  com- 
munications from  our  envoys,  the  love  of 
our  common  country  will  produce  a  cordial 
unanimity  of  femiment ;  and  whatever  may 
be  the  meafures  which  the  wifdom  of  our 
government  may  purfue  to  guard  our  na- 
tional honor  and  protect  our  national  rights, 
we  are  determined,  with  one  heart,  and  one 
voice,  to  fupport  them  at  the  hazard  of  ev- 
ery domeltic  confideration  which  may  be 
near  or  dear  to  us;  and  with  an  unmaken 
confidence,  we  repofe  our  fafety  and  honor 
in  the  energy  of  your  character,  and  the 
wifdom  of  your  mind,  as  a  ftatefman. 

To  the  I  N  HABITANTS  of  th s  Town  of  N  E  w~ 

BERN. 
GENTLEMEN, 

AN  addrefs  fo  cordial  ami  refpe6lfal 
as  this  from  the  citizens  of  Newbern,  and 
your  warm  approbation  of  my  conduct, 
iince  I  have  filled  the  office  of  chief  magif- 
trate  of  the  United  States,  I  ought  to  hold 
in  the  higheft  eftimation. 

I  was  indeed  called  to  it  at  a  crifis  fraught 
"with  difficulty  and  danger ;  when  neither 
fkill  in  the  management  of  affairs,  more  im- 
proved than  any  I  could  pretend  to.  nor  the 
pureft  integrity  of  intention,  could  fecure 

an 


ADDRESSES. 

an  entire  exemption  from  involuntary  error, 
much  lefs  from  cenfure. 

There  have  been,  for  many  years,  ftrong 
indications  that  nothing  would  fatisfy  the 
rulers  of  .the  French,  but  our  taking  with 
them  an  a&ive  part  in  the  war  againft  all 
their  enemies,  and  exhaufting  the  latt  rc- 
iburccs  of  our  property  to  fupport  them, 
not  orjy  in  the  purfuit  of  their  chimerical 
ideas  of  liberty,  but  of  univerfal  empire  : 
this  \vc  were  not  only  under  no  obligation 
to  do,  but  had  reafon  to  believe  would  have 
ruined  the  laws,  conftitution,  and  the  morals 
of  our  country,  as  well  as  our  credit  and 
.property. 

An  ardent  emhufiafm,  indeed,  del  tided  for 
a  long  time  too  many  of  our  worthy  citizens. 

The  honor  of  your  teftimony  to  the  in- 
tegrity of  my  endeavors  HI  fo  difficult  a  con- 
juncture, is  very  precious  to  my  heart. 

As  the  hoftile  views  and  nefarious  defigns 
of  the  French  republic,  are  now  too  notori- 
ous to  be  denied  or  extenuated,  I  believe 
with  you,  that  the  love  of  our  common 
country,  will  produce  a  cordial  unanimity 
of  fentiment. 

This  patriotic  and  fpirited  addrefs  is  a 
clear  indication  of  fuch  defirable  union,  and 
••will  have  a  powerful  tendency  to  encour- 
age, firengthen  and  promote  it. 

JOHN,  ADAMS. 

D  d  T9 


326          PATRIOTIC 

To  JOHN    ADAMS,   PRESIDENT   of  the 
UNITED  STATES  of  AMERICA. 


W 


SIR, 

r 

E,  the1  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Wil- 
mington, in  the  State  of  North-Carolina, 
legally  convened  together,  feel  it  to  be  our 
incumbent  duty  to  addrefs  you  at  this  very 
important  c'rifis  of  the  affairs  of  the  United 
States  in  relation  to  the  French  republic. 

Permit  us  to  allure  you,  that  we  view 
with  entire  approbation  the  advances  made 
by  the  executive  authority  of  our  own  gov- 
ernment to  that  of  France,  for  an  honorable 
and  equitable  adjuftment  of  all  differences 
between  the  two  republics. 

We  do  not  affe6t  to  conceal  that  from  a 
feeming  congeniality  of  fentiment  refpecling 
civil  liberty,  and  from  the  confideration  that 
they  were  engaged  with  America  in  'the  con- 
flict that  terminated  in  her  independence, 
•we  entertained  a  partiality  and  friendih'ip 
for  the  people  of  France,  fo  long  as  the  ei- 
tablifhment  of  a  free  and  equal  government 
appeared  to  be  the  virtuous  objeQ:  of  their 
purfuit. 

We  lament,  therefore,  that  thofe  advan- 
ces, inftead  of  being  reciprocated  in  the 
manner  that  from  their  great  candor  and 
liberality,  might  reafonably  have  been  ex- 
pe&ed,  (and  which  for  the  interefts  of  both 

nations 


ADDRESSES.          327 

nations  was  devoutly  to  be  wifhed)  were  re- 
pelled with  indignity  and  contempt  ;  and 
fhat  it  has  become  too  evident,  that-  princi- 
ples replete  with  danger  to  this  country,  ac- 
tuate the  conduct  of  the  prefent  French 
government. 

It  in  Lift  now  be  manifeft  to  the  world,  that 
the  unexampled  moderation  and  forbearance 
of  the  government  of  the  United  States  have 
ferved  only  to  excite  to  new  aggreffions  on 
the  p^rt  of  France,  and  that  no  other  alter- 
native remains  as  a  choice  for  the  former, 
than  conceffion  which  would  degrade  our 
character  as  a  nation,  and  fap  the  foundation 
of  its  independency — or  to  refort  to  thofe 
defensive  meafures  which  the  fpirit  of  the 
people  and  the  refources  with  which  God 
has  blefled  us,  enable  us  to  call  (and  we  truft 
fuccefsfully)  into  operation. 

Appreciating  the-  advantages  of  peace, 
and  contrafting  with  them  the  calamities  in- 
cidental to  an  oppofite  ftate  of  things,  we 
deprecate  the  approach  of  war  •  but  ftill  we 
do  not  hefitate  'to  declare,  that  if  that  ex- 
tremity unavoidably  .becomes  the  final  re- 
fort,  all  the  exertions  that  fliould  be  expe£t- 
ed  in  fo  juft  a  caufe,  from  men  animated  by 
an  ardent  love  for  their  country,  and  refo- 
lute  to  affert  its  rights  and  fupport  its  gov- 
ernment, may  be  depended  on  from  us. 

The 


328          PATRIOT!  C 

The  annals  of  our  country  afford  ampte 
,teftirnony  of  the  zeal  with  which  your  talent* 
And  pat  riot  ifm  have  been  uniformly  exerted 
in  its  fervice  ever  fince  it  afftimed  an  inde- 
pendent fituation.  Your  conduct  in  the 
difcharge  of  the  duties  of  the  high  flation 
you  now  fill,  reflects  new  luftre  on  your 
*:haracler,  and  dignity  upon  the  government 
over  which  you  prcfide. 

Thoroughly  perfuaded,  therefore,  that  it 
•will  be  the  great  object  of  your  adminiftra- 
tion  to  promote  the  fafety,  honor  and  prof- 
perity  of  our  common  country,  we  humbly 
implore  the  bleffing  of  the  Supreme  Being 
upon  your  endeavors,  and  that  you  may  ex- 
perience his  peculiar  care  and  providence. 


To  the  INHABITANTS  of  the  Town  #/"  WIL- 

MINGTON. 
GENTLEMEN, 

YOUR  addrefs,  unanimoufly  adopted 
at  a  meeting  legally  convened,  has  been  prc- 
fented  to  me  by  your  fenators  in  Congrefs, 
Mr.  Martin  and  Mr.  Blood  worth. 

An  affurance  from  the  city  of  Wilming- 
ton, that  you  view  with  entire  approbation, 
the  advances  made  by  the  executive  author- 
ity of  your  government  to  that  of  France, 
for  an  honorable  and  equitable  adjustment 
of  all  differences  between  the  two  republics, 


A  DDR  ESSES.          32-9 

Is  of  high  value  to  me,  and'affords  a  convin- 
cing proof  that  Americans  think  and  feel 
alike  on.  great  and  .eflential  .objeds,  in  all 
parts  of  the  Union. 

The  friendfhip  you  entertained  for  the 
people  of  France,  from  a  feeming  congeni- 
ality of  fentiment  refpe&ing  civil  liberty, 
and  from  the  confideration  that  they  were 
engaged  with  America  in  the  conflict  that 
terminated  in  our  independence,  f'o  long  as 
the  eftablifhmentof  a  free  and  eq.ual  govern- 
ment appeared  to  be  the  virtuous  objecl:  of 
their  purfuit — far  from  being  a  reproach, was 
honorable  to- the  difpofition  of  your  hearts. 

The  repulfiorr  of  our  advances5.can.dicl, 
liberal  and  conciliatory,  as  all  the  impartial 
world  will  pronounce  them,  has  indeed  made 
it  too  evident,  that  principles  replete  with 
danger  to  this  country,  and  to  all  others, 
actuate  the  conduct  of  the  prefent  French 
government..  , 

It  is  alfo  mani&ft  to  the  world,  that  the 

unexampled    moderation    of  America,  has 

ferved  only  to  excite  new  aggreffions.    Your 

declaration,  that  when  the  extremity  of  war 

becomes  the  final  refort,  all  the  exertions 

-that  fhou'ld  be'exercifed  in  fojuft   a  caufe, 

from   men  animated  by  an  ardent   love  ©f 

•their  country,  and  refolution   to   afTerts  its 

rights  and  fupport  its  government,  may  be 

depended  upon- — will  be  fatisfaclory  to  ev- 

D  d  2  ery 


33o          PATRIOTIC 

cry  branch  of  the  government,  and  highly 
pleafing  to  all  your  fellow-citizens. 

The  teftimony  of  the  citizens  of  Wil- 
mington, to  my  zeal  and  induftry  in  the 
public  iervice,  is  very  dear  to  me  ;  and 
your  petitions  for  the  bleffings  of  the  Su- 
preme Being  on  my  endeavors,  and  that  I 
may  experience  his  peculiar  care  and  prov- 
idence, can  be  anfwered  only  by  fupplica- 
tions  on  my  part,  for  your  country,  your- 
felves,  and  your  poflerity. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 


From  the  OFFICERS  of  the  GUI  L'F  OR  D  REG- 
IMENT of  MILITIA,  and  the  INHABIT- 
ANTS of  the  County*  to  the  PRESIDENT  of 

-  the  UNITED  STAT.SS,  , 

SIR, 

uEjLN  addrefs  prefented  to  you  at  this  tiir.e, 
on  the  fubjeft  of  the/  relative  fituation  of 
America  with  foreign  nations,  but  more  par- 
ticularly with  France,  fhould  at  leaft  pofTefs 
forne  novelty  of  thought  fo  procure  with 
you  an  apology,  or  fome  ftrong  reafon  urg- 
ed, why  it  had  been  fo  long  delayed,  to  merit 
your  reply.  We  hope  you  will  not  antici- 
pate any  thing  new,  for  in  facl,  we  only 
mean  to  adopt  and  urge  the  many  and  the 
excellent  fentiraews  which  have  been  al- 
ready 


A  D  D  R.E  S  .S.E-S.          331 

ready  addreffed  to  you,  by  our  fellow-citi- 
zens throughout  the  Union. 

Loving  our  country,  determined  to  fup- 
port  it,  its  conftitution,  and  the  laws  ema- 
nating from  it;  pleafed  with  the  admrniftra- 
tion  of  you,  Sir,  and  your  predeceflbr,  who 
was  and  is  no  lei's  beloved  by  you  than  by 
ourfelves  ;  dctefting  the  parricidial  princi- 
ples^ of  France,  which  not  only  Teem, 'but 
really  are  fubverting  every  government 
within  their  vortex  ; — can  we  be  acquitted 
in  OUT  own  minds  ?  could  we  be  in  the  opin- 
ion of  our  fellow-citizens,  did  we  hefitate 
to  make  this  declaration  ? 

We  abhor  the  modern  innovations,  and 
that  word  "  fcjormj"  which  in  the  fond 
credulity  of  our  imaginations,  we  believed 
to  be  for  the  amelioration  of  the  foliation  of 
man;  we  now  flmn  it  as  we  would  a  mon- 
iler  reaxiy  to  engulph  all  focial  order,  anni- 
hilate  civil  government,  and  fubvert  the 
heretofore  approved  courfe  of  things. 

If  France,  compelled  by  that  imperious 
neceflity,  which  is  fometimes  an  apology 
with  the  hiftorian,  for  acls  tending  to  dcftroy 
a  focial  coinpacl,  could  even  produce  that, 
an  improper  prejudice  of  America  might 
ftill  furnifh  her  with  apo-!o.i;ifts  ;— but  when 
we  fee  governments  never  yet  obnoxious 
even  to  fanciful  writers,  as  well  as  thole 
which  imagination  had  formed  tyrannical, 


332          P  A  T  RIOT  I  C 

and  our  own,  which  has  for  its  bafis  every 
principle  prefervative  of  the  happinefs  and 
fecumy  of.  virtue  and  indujtry,  attempted 
to  bexleftroyed  ;• — can  we  refill  the  impulfe 
of  declaring  that  her- nominal  government 
is  an  unheard  of  tyranny--a  compact  which 
would  as  rapidly,  and  as  effectually  deftroy 
our  rifing  empire,  as  an  army  of  their  myr- 
midons might  for  the  moment  affecl  pur  in- 
ternal order. 

If  we  have  not  exprefTed  thefe  opinions 
-fo  early  as  mod  of  our  fellow-citizens,  re- 
ceive,. Sir,  our  apology  ;—fo  large  an  ap- 
portionment of  the  .county  of.Guilford,  nev- 
er convened  together  as  on  this  day,  fince  the 
(lifpatch.es  from  our  envoys  to  France,  ar- 
rived, and  delTcacy  of  fentiment  of  thofe 
who  did,  prevented  them ^  from  obtruding 
their  opinions,  as  of  thofe,  who  did  not. 

It  is  needlefs  to  tell; you  that  your  admin- 
iftration  has  our  warmeil  approbation; — it 
is  needlefs  to  tell  you  our  .determined  refo- 
iution   to  fupport  the  meafures  of  that  ad- 
.ininift ration  ;   and  it  is  only  from  your  great 
.and  well-known   goodnefs,  we   can  hope  an 
excufe  for  not  exp  re  rung  thofe  opinions  be- 
fore this  day. 

We  believe'  •fincerely  with  you,  Sir,  in  a 
'.fen time :it  lately  expreiled,  that  much  indeed 
o.f  our  fafety  depends  on  the  exertions  ufed 
for  the  eftablifhing  an  American  navy.,  and 


o 

that 


ADDRESSES,       333 

that  a  part  of  our  fellow-citizens  cannot  be 
more  beneficially  employed,  than  by  endeav- 
oring to  per  feel  it. 

May  that  kind  Providence,  which'  has 
watched  over  the  liberty  and  independence 
of  the  United  States,  continue  its  protection 
to  you,  one  of  their  choice!!  guardians,  and 
long  preferve  a  life  dear  and  effential  to  its 
country's  happinefs. 


To  the  OFFICERS  of  the  GUILFORD 
<     M E N T   of  M i  L IT i  A,  and  the  IN  u  A B  i T - 
ANTS  of  the  County.. 

GENTLEMEN, 

THE  unanimous  addrefs  adopted  by 
you,  has  been  tranimiued  as  you  directed, 
by  Major  John  Hamilton  to  Mr.  Steele,  and 
•by  Mr.  Steele  to  me. 

A'ddrefTes  like  yours,  fo  friendly  to  me 
and  fo  animated  with  public  fpirit,  can  never 
ttand  in  need  of  any  apology.  It  is  on  the 
contrary,  very  true,  that  the  affectionate-  ad- 
drefTes  of  my  fellow-citizens  have  flowed 
-in  upon  me  from  various  parts  of  theUnion, 
in  fuch  numbers,  that  it  has  bedn  utterly  im- 
pofTible  for  me  to  preferv-e  any  regularity 
in  my  anfwers,  without  negleBing  the  inilif- 
peniable  duties  of  my  office.  This,  and  a 
long-continued  and  vtery  dangerous  ficknefs 
in  rny  family,  moft  ferioufly  alarming  to'-riie, 


334          P.  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  C 


11,  I  hope,  be,  accepted,  by  .you  and  by  all 
others  whole  favors  have  not  been  duly  no- 
ticed, as  an  apology  for  a  feeining  .neglect, 
which  has  beer)  a  very,  great  rpor.tifi  cation 
to  me.  There  is  no  language  within  my 
command,,  fufficient  to  exprefs  the  .fati ^fac- 
tion I  have  felt,  at  the  abundant  proofs,  of 
harmony  and  unanimity  among  the  people 
in  the  fouthern  States,  and  in  none  more  re- 
markably than  in  North  Carolina. 

Your  patriotic  addrefs,  adopted  on  the 
-ground  where  a  memorable  battle.was  fought 
by  freemen,  on  the  fifteenthiof  March,  1781, 
in  defence  of  their  Hberties  and  independ- 
ence, is  peculiarly  forcible  and  affecting. 

JOHN  ADAMS. 

.   ~  ".>]"  i 

from  the  INHABITANTS  of  MOORE. County 

tO  theF.  RES-ID  £  N-  T  of  the  U  N  1  T  E  D  S  T  A  T  E  S, 
SIR, 

i.  HE  prefent  critical  fituation  of  America, 
with  refpect  to  foreign  nations,  calls  upon 
its  citizens  as  we  conceive,  to  evince  a  (pi r it 
of  harmony  and  unanimity  among  them- 
felves  ;  more  efpecially  at  a  juncture  when 
it  has  artfully  and  malicioufiy  been  repre- 
..feaied  by  our  enemies  that  we  are  a  divided 
people.  We  on  our  pa;rt  have;  therefore 
thought  it  our  duty  openly  to  exprefs  our 

lehtimeDti' 


ADDRESSES.          335 

fentiments  on  this  fubj eft  ;  and  to  affure 
you 'as  chief  magiftrate  of  our  country,  that 
\ve  have  entire  confidence  in  its- govern- 
ment ;  that  we  approve  of  the  adn-iiniftra- 
tion  of  our  prefent  Executive,  particularly 
in  its  late  endeavors  to  eftablifh  pacific  mea- 
fures  with  France  ;  and  that  we  are  united, 
ready  and  determined,  to  o| -pole  the  machi- 
nations of  that  or  any  other  foreign  power, 
which  fliall"  attempt  to  ihvadt  our  rights. 
In  this  we  exprefs  the -general  fenfe  of  our 
county,  and.  we  trufi,  of  all  America.  • 
' 

^••®rP!P=^ffr 

From  the  PEOPLE  of  CHAPEL  HILL  and  its 
~ji cinity,  and  the  Yo u  N  G  M EN  of  the  U N  i - 
VERSL'TY,  to  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESI- 
DENT of  the.  UN  i  TED  STATES, 


WEH 


have  long  witnefTed  with  deep  con- 
cern, a  difpofition  in  the  French  govern- 
ment to  abuie  their  power,  in  proportion  as 
it  has  been  increafed.  After  it  has  grown, 
by  a  rapid  and  continued  ^iiccefrion  of  vic- 
tories, to  a  moil  extraordinary  fize,  their 
profligacy  and  injuftice  are  become  no  lefs 
extraordinary,  and  they  have  y^roinifcuoufly 
confounded  friends  with  foes  in  their  pirat- 
ical and  predatory  afTaults.  Had  the  bar- 
Larians  themfelves  (for  they  have  taught  us 
;,the  comparifon)  poflefTed  the  ftrength  and 

means 


336          P  A  T  R  I  O  T  I  G 

means  which  that  people  have  gained,  we, 
•with  the  reft  of  the  nations,  rnuit  have  ex- 
pe&ed  to  have  our  veflels  taken,  our  citi- 
zens ftript  of  their  .property,  our  feamen 
abufed  and  mercilefsly  thrown  into  dun- 
geons, or  left  to  beg  the  necelfaries  of  life. 
But  could  we  ever  have  imagined,  that 
.France,  a  nation,  but  lately  inferior  to  none 
in  humanity  of  femiment,  and  refinement  of 
.manners*  could  Jo  foon  degenerate  into  bar- 
xbarifm  as  to  be  guided  by  no  law  but  pow- 
er, or  reftrained  by  no  confiderations  but 
thofe  of  neccffity  ?  It  is  not  without  much 
furprize  and  regret,  that  we 'are  at  length 
forced  to  believe  a  nation  capable  of  this 
iliocking  change  in  fo  fhort  a  period.  When 
-we  confider  how  many  others  have  been  led 
on  by  the  lame  example  through  the  fame 
change,  we  rejoice  we  yet  feel  ourfelves  to 
have  been  in  no  great  degree  affected  by  its 
influence.  We  reflect  with  fatisfaclion,  that 
the  llrong  chain  of  connexion  that  held  us 
together  at  the  commencement  of  their  rev- 
olution, has  not  availed  to  drag  our  govern- 
ment and  people  into  the  fame  frightful  gulf 
with  themielves,  but  that  our  eyes  have  been 
•open  to  explore  the  courfe  they  were  taking, 
and  that  in  proportion  as  we  have  difcotfer- 
ed  the  danger,  we  refolved,  and  fucceeded, 
to  difengage  -ourfelves. 

It  has  not  been  without  a  druggie  in  our 
bofoms,  that  we  took  fo  unplcafing  a  relblu- 

tio.n ; 


ADDRESSES.          337 

tion ;  but  when  juftice,  religion  and  national 
independence  muft  have  been  furrendered 
without  it,  we  could  no  longer  hefitate  a 
moment. 

Although  our  people  have  been  divided 
in  fentiment  even  on  this  fubjecl5as  well  as 
on  others,  yet  when  we  are  told  that  our  dif- 
ferences are  made  a  ground  oji  which  to 
form  a  plan  for  deftroying  our  government, 
or  infringing  our  rights,  we  Cannot  but  re- 
volt at  the  ungenerous  thought,  and  execrate 
the  man  who  could  think  of  acting  on  fo 
bafe  a  principle. 

It  is  to  convince  you,  Sir,  and  the  enemies 
who  have  calculated  on  fo  infidious  a  fcheme 
of  the  miftake  they  are  in,  and  the  fevere 
dilappointment  they  are  likely  to  fuffer 
fhould  they  further  proceed  upon  it,  that 
we  undertake  thus  publicly  to  addrefs  you. 
And  although  it  is  thus  late  that  we  have 
done  it,  we  truft  dial  it  is  with  no  lefs  fince- 
.rity,  than  others  who  have  preceded  us. 
Whatever  political  disagreement  may  have 
fubfifted  among  us,  or  however  unfortunate 
they  may  have  been  in  their  efife£h,we  (hall 
never  harbor  the  ignoble  thought  of  facri- 
.ficing  our  country,  our  government,  or  its 
adminiftration,  to  the  accompiifhrnent  of 
local  or  perfonal  views.  After  the  proofs 
-we  had  given  of  our  infupcrable  love  of  in- 
dependence, in  our  ftruggle  againft  Britain, 
none  but  thofe  who  had  experienced  in 
E e  themfelves 


PATRIOTIC 

themfelves  a  moft  unaccountable  degenera- 
cy, could  have  imagined  we  fhould  be  will- 
ing fo  foon  to  renounce  it  for  the  fake  of 
retaining  the  favor,  or  promotiwg  the  views 
of  any  other  nation  under  heaven.  But 
when  we  confider  the  wanton  and  unprece- 
dented conduc~l  of  the  Dire£iory  in  letting 
at  nought  the  ordinary  laws  of  nations,  and 
affuming  to  create  a  new  code  fitted  to  their 
own  purpofes  of  plunder  and  violence  ; 
•when  we  renV£i  on  their  unworthy  treatment 
of  our  ambafTadors,and  the  unexampled  in- 
fults  they  have  returned  for  all  the  anxiety 
\vhich  yoj,  Sir,  in  conjunction  with  our 
government,  have  manifefted  for  peace  and 
juftice, -\ve  can  no  longer  remain  filent  fpec- 
tators  :  We  feel  it  our  indifpenfable  duty 
to  declare,  that  we  have  an  unimpaired  con- 
fidence in  your  wifdom  and  adminiilration  ; 
that  we  feel  an  attachment  to  your  perfon 
as  our  chief  magi  (irate,  and  one  who  has 
borne  a  diftinsuiftied  part  in  the  defence  and 
eilabiilhmcnt  of  our  rights  and  liberties — 
and  tl  at  v.hen  thofe  liberties  and  rights  are 
placed  at  Rake,  we  are  ready  to  Hand  by  you 
and  our  government,  to  defend  both  at  the 
expenfe  of  our  laft  blood. 

We  cannot  but  confider  our  commerce, 
and  that  worthy  clafs  of  our  feliow-citizens 
\vho  are  employed  in  it,  as  entitled  to  the 
fame  protection  with  ourfelves.  it  would 
be  bsindne!:)  in  us  not  to  perceive  the  merit 

of 


ADDRESSES.          339 

of  that  part  of  fociety,  who  brave  the  dan- 
gers and  hardfhips  of  the  ocean,  to  f'upply 
us  with  what  we  fhould  with  the  utmoft  dif- 
ficulty and  difadvantage,  provide  for  our- 
felves,and  which  we  have  a  perfect  right  to 
obtain  without  moleftation,  by  a  fair  and 
honeft  commerce  with  all  who  are  willing  to 
trade  with  us. 


S  O  U  T  H-  C  A  R  O  L  I  N  A. 


. 

Tke  ADDRESS  and  MEMORIAL  of  theCiTi- 
SENSC/CHARLESTON.^JOHN  ADAMS, 
PRESIDENT  of  the  UN  i  TED  STATES,  — 

SKEWETH  RESPECTFULLY^ 


T 


HAT  your  memorialifts  learn-t,  with  the 
moft  fincere  fatisfa6lion,  the  appointment, 
by  the  executive  government  of  the  United 
States,  of  a  folemn  embafTy,  duly  empower- 
ed and  wifely  inftruBed,  to  endeavor  to 
remove  all  differences  with  the  French  re- 
public, and  to  maintain  the  relations  of  am- 
ity and  peace  between  the  two  countries. 

That  your  memorialifts  have  underftood 
with  the  deepeft  regret,  that  the  fpirit  of  con- 
ciliation and  peace  manifeAed  by  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States,  hath  been  met 
by  a  fpirit  of  hoftility  in  the  councils  of  the 
French  republic  ;  and  that  the  miniilers  of 

peace 


S40  PATRIOTIC 

peace  had  not  been  admitted  to  the  privilege 
of  an  audience,  fcarcely  ever  denied  among, 
civilized  nations. 

That  the  moft  unreafonable  demands  have 
been  made  upon  this  country,  by  perfons 
pretending  and  appearing  to  acl  under  the 
authority  of  the  French  government,  (but 
\vhich,  it  is  fincerely  hoped,  not' \vith  the 
fentiments  of  the  people  of  France)  without 
even  the  pretence  of  injury  or  wrong  hav- 
ing been  committed — demands  which,  if 
fubmitted  to,  would  proftrate  the  United 
States  at  the  feet  of  France,  and  convert 
her  from  a  free  and  independent  nation,  in- 
to a  tributary  and  degraded  province. 

Your  memorialifts  are  aftonifhed  to  find 
that  thefe  demands  have  been  perfeveringly 
urged,  upon  a  prefumption  that  the  Ameri- 
cans were  a  divided  people,  and  would  nev- 
er unite  in  fupport  of  their  own  govern- 
ment, in  oppofition  to  thefe  demands  ;  and 
that  upon  this  fallacious  idea,  our  commerce 
hath  been  harraffed, without  redrefs;  and  our 
peace  and  our  independence  are  threatened. 

Deeply  afflicted  at  this  Mate  of  the  public 
affairs,  your  memorialifts  feel  themfelves  ir- 
refiftibly  impelled  to  make  a  full,  folemn  and 
explicit  declaration  of  their  fincere  attach- 
ment to  the  coriftitution  and  government  of 
the  United  States  ;  and  of  their  fixed  refo- 
lution  to  maintain  and  fupport  them  againft 

011 


ADDRESSES.         341 

all  foreign  encroachment  and  dominion, 
at  the  hazard  of  their  lives  and  fortunes. — • 
Your  memorialifts  arebut  too  well  acquaii  t- 
ed  with  the  miferies  and  calamities  of  war, 
and  they  would  willingly  have  averted  them 
by  the  facrifice  of  fecondary  interefts.  But 
they  do  not  hefttate  to  declare  their  prefer- 
ence  of  every  calamity  to  a  fervile  fubjec- 
tion  to  a  foreign  yoke. 

Your  memorialifts  repofe  confidence  in  the 
\vifdom  and  patriotifm  of  the  conftituted  au- 
thorities ;  and  truft  that  the  moft  prompt, 
vigorous  and  efficacious  ftepswill  be  taken, 
"  to  provide  for  the  common  defence,  pro- 
mote the  general  welfare,  and  fee u re  the 
bleffings  of  liberty  to  ourfelves  and  our  pof- 
terity  ;"  and  they  fubmit,  to  the  difcretion  of 
the  government,  the  meafures  effential  to  the 
attainment  and  fecurity  of  thefe  great  objects. 

From   the    INHABITANTS    of  CLARMONT 
County,  to  the  PRESIDENT,  SENATE,  and 
Houfe  ^REPRESENTATIVES  o/ ^UNI- 
TED STATES. 
GENTLEMEN, 

WHEN  our  peace  and  independence  is 
menaced  by  a  formidable  though  perfidious 
nation,  who,  afpiring  to  the  domination  of 
the  world,  violates,  in  the  career  of  her  am- 
bition, all  bonds  of  good  faith,  and  all  ties 
of  that  friendfhip  which  heretofore  happily 
Eea  fubfifted 


PATRIOTIC 

fubiiiled  between  that  nation  and  our  own, 
— we  think  it  not  improper  in  us,  nor  difa- 
greeable  to  you,  that  we  come  forward  un- 
der an  open  avowal  of  the  fentiments  which 
actuate  us  at  this  momentous  crifis. 

;Decply  imprefled  with  a  fenfe  of  yoitr 
wifdom  and  patriotifm,  and  cordially  ap- 
proving of  the  pacific  meafures  you  have 
taken  to  erlecl  a  reconciliation  and  an  ami- 
cable adjuftment  of  the  differences  between 
the  two  nations,  we  cannot  but  feel  an  indig- 
nation, worthy  the  breads,  of  freemen,  at 
feeing  thofe  meafures  rejecled  with  haughty 
contempt  by  the  French  government.  And 
notwithstanding  we  deprecate  the  calamities 
of  war,  yet  we  view  them  as  but  a  fecondary 
confideration  compared  with  the  degrada- 
tion of  our  national  dignity,  and  the  fubver- 
fion  of  our  government* 

Relying  firmly  on  the  wifdotn  and  fidelity- 
of  the  conflhuted  authorities  of  the  United 
States,  we  do  not  hefitate  to  declare,  that  we 
will  fupport,  at  the  rif'k  of  our  lives  and  for- 
tunes, any  meafures  that  they  may  think 
proper  to  adopt  for  the  defence  of  our  coun- 
try's rights  ;  and  that  we  will'  evince  to  the 
world  we  are  not  a  divided  people. 

«"  «"  «••  «<J>-~<_____i  V-*J> ..» .  •»  -» 

To  the  PRESIDENT  ofjths  UKITEI>  STATES. 
SIR, 

1  HE   inhabitants  of  the   town   of  Cam- 
bridge and  its  vicinity,  in  the  diitricl  of 

Ninety-Six, 


ADDRESSES.          343 

Ninety-Six,  and  State  of  South-Carolina,, 
having  afiembled  for  the  purpofe  of  taking 
into  confideration  the  political  (late  of  our 
own  country,  beg  leave  to  ftate  to  you,  as 
chief  magilirate  of  the  United  States,  our 
fincere  regret,  that,  from  prefent  appearan- 
ces,^we  are  likely  to  be  involved  in  the  war,, 
which  for  years  pait,  has  defolated  a  confid- 
crable  part  of  Europe-     Although  as  citi- 
zens, we  holdfacred  the  right  of  judging  of 
the  conduct  and  meafu-res  of  our  rulers,  and 
expreffing  freely  and  publicly  our  opinions 
thereon,  yet  we   (hall   always   view   with  a 
jealous  eye,  and  will  repel,  with  the  energy 
of  republicans,  (who  have  fought  for,  and 
of  courfe  know  the  value  of  genuine  liberty) 
the  attempts,  of  any  foreign  nation,  who  may 
iliew  a  difpofition  to  interfere  in  the.  coun- 
cils  of  our    country..     We    therefore   beg 
leave,  through  you^to  a  flu  re  our  fellow-cit- 
izens throughout  the  Union,  that  although 
agricultural  in  our  habits,  and  attached  to- 
the  paths  of  peace,  we  are,  to  a  man,  united 
to  defend   our  country  from   the  unjuft  ag- 
greffion  of  any  foreign  power,  and  prepared, 
with  our  lives  and  fortunes,  to  defend  the 
eonftitiition  and  independence  of  our  coun- 
try, and  to  fupport  its  officers  in  the  confti- 
uuional  and  legitimate  exercife  of  all  their 
functions* 

GEORGIA. 


344          PATRIOTIC 
GEORGIA. 


To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the 

UNITED  STATES. 
SIR, 

J.  HE  inhabitants  of  the  city  of  Savannah 
and  its  vicinity,  impreffed  with  the  value  of 
national  independence,  and  of  the  wifdom 
and  virtue  which  have  characterized  a  gov- 
ernment fo  happily  calculated  to  enfure  and 
preferve  this  bleffing,  cannot  withhold  their 
approbation  to  the  meafures  which  you  have 
purfued  at  a  juncture  fo  critical  to  the  Uni- 
ted States,  as  the  prefent. 

Fondly  anticipating  the  reftoration  of  a 
good  underftanding  on  principles  compati- 
ble with  juftice  and  honor,  with  a  nation 
for  whom  America  had  always  manifefted 
fentiments  of  the  mod  real  and  undifguifed 
frieridfhip,  they  faw  with  pleafure  the  depar- 
ture of  the  commiffioners  entrufted  with  this 
object,  whofe  perfonal  characters  juftified 
an  entire  confidence  (and  which  the  event 
has  proved  not  to  have  been  mifplaced)  that 
no  fuitable  means  would  be  neglecled  in 
purfuing  the  important  ohje£l  of  their  mif- 
fion.  And  notwithftanding  the  painful  and 
inexpreffible  fenfation  which  the  conduct  of 
men,  at  the  head  of  a  government  once  our 
'allies  and  friends,  excited,  there  remains  a 

confolation, 


ADDRESSES.          345 

confolation,  that  the  caufe  and  refponfibility 
of  this  conduct  will  reft  on  themfelves  alone. 
And  it  is  with  great  pleafure  that  we  con- 
gratulate you,  Sir,  .and  our  country  on  the 
wife  and  prudent  meafures  you  have  pur- 
fued  for  the  prefervation  of  peace  and  the 
protection  of  our  independence;  we  believe 
that  you  have  done  as  much  for  the  obtain- 
ment  of  the  firft  of  thefe  objects,  as  a  due 
regard  for  the  other  would  juftify  or  permit  ; 
—  and  fhould  the  laft  argument  of  nations, 
a  refort  to  arms,  become  indifpenfable  for 
the  protection  of  thofe  rights  which  are  the 
nioli  dear  to  us  —  we  pledge  ourfelves  for 
the  fupport  of  our  government,  by  which 
alone  they  can  be  fecured,  and  at  the  hazard 
of  our  lives  and  properties,  to  convince  the 
world  that  we  will  take  no  (hare  in  the  dif- 
grace  of  being  confidered  a  divided  people. 


To  JOHN  ADAMS,  PRESIDENT  of  the 
UNITED  STATES. 

SIR, 

A.  MEETING  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Wafhington  and  county  of  Wilkes, 
in  the  State  of  Georgia,  having  delegated  to 
us,  as  a  committee,  the  power  of  addrefling 
in  their  names  the  chief  executive  magiftrate 
of  the  Union  on  the  prefent  fituation  of  pub- 
lic affairs  as  they  relate  to  foreign  nations, 


346          PATRIOTIC 

we  embrace  the  ear  left  opportunity  to  dif- 
charge  the  truft  fo  repofed  in  us. 

Whil'ft  we  cannot  but  deplore  the  prefent 
profpecl  of  national  calamity,  and  anticipate 
with  fenfibility  the  deep  diftrefs  which  mufl 
be  common  in  our  country  fhould  that  prof- 
pect  be  realized,  we  fhould  at  the  Tame  time 
exprefs  to  you,  lentiments  the  reverfe  of 
t-hofe  which  univerfally  pervade  this  part  of 
the  community,  were  we  not  to  attribute  the 
impending  evils  to  the  injuftice  of  thofe 
with  whom  we  are  connected  by  public  ties. 
To  the  conftant  endeavors  of  the  American 
government  for  the  maintenance  of  its  neu- 
trality, have  been  oppofed  the  intrigues  of 
foreign  courts  to  involve  it  in  the  labyrinth 
of  European  wars. — To  unremitted  and  fin- 
cere  exertions  for  the  prefervation  of  peace 
and  the  cultivation  of  harmony,  have  been 
©ppofed  unwarranted  encroachments  on  our 
mod  facred  rights,  and  ftudied  indignity  to 
our  applications  for  reparation. 

Foreign  nations  have  reprefented  the 
Americans  lo  be  a  divided  people.  Were 
we  "in  reality  fo,  their  conduct  would  not 
fail  to  unite  us-; — and  fhould  any  daring  in- 
vader on  the  common  rights  of  human  na- 
ture prefume  to  enforce  its  unjuft  purpofes 
by  public  force,  experience  will  then  teach 
them  they  have  been  deceived. 

Although 


ADDRESSES.         347 

Although  we  are  here  furrounded — on 
one  fide  by  powerful  favage  tribes,  among 
whom  the  intrigues  of  foreign  agents  are 
generally  too  fuccefsful ;  bounded  on  anoth- 
er by  the  territories  of  a  nation  apparently 
not  altogether  friendly  ;  and  open  on  a  third 
to  the  approaches  of  the  weakeft  naval  ar- 
maments ;  yet,  Sir,  the  people  of  this  coun- 
try feel  no  difpofition  to  fubmit  with  tame- 
nefs  to  outrages  upon  common  juftice,  and 
infults  upon  public  and  individual  honor. 
They  view  with  indignation  the  unprecedent- 
ed violations  of  national  rights  committed 
by  thofe  to  whom  the  American  government 
have  afliduoufly  held  out  the  olive  branch 
of  peace. — They  feel  the  ftrongeft  emotions 
of  refentment  for  the  fhameful  demands 
made,  as  terms  upon  which  our  public  min- 
ifters  might  obtain  the  privilege  of  repre- 
fenting  our  grievances.  With  an  acquief- 
cencein  fuch  requifitions5may  the  American 
character  never  be  tarnifhed. 

We  cannot  forego  the  prefent  occafion 
to  declare  the  grateful  fenfe  we  entertain 
for  the  anxiety  manifefted  by  the  federal 
Executive  for  the  profperity  of  our  common 
country,  and  the  prefervation  of  our  general 
happinefs.  The  citizens  of  oijr  community 
cannot  but  applaud  that  fpirit  of  modera- 
tion which  prompted  the  American  govern- 
ment, after  repeated  indignities,  to  make  a 
lad  druggie  for  amicable  accommodation  of 

cxiiling 


348      PATRIOTIC,    &c. 

exifting  differences.  Notwithstanding  more 
has  been  done  than  could  have  been  jufti- 
fied  by  any  other  principle,  than  that  of  an 
ardent  and  fincere  defire  for  the  prefervation 
of  peace,  the  profpecl  has  with  every  ftep 
become  more  gloomy.  Our  folicitudes  and 
our  conceffions  have  added  infults  to  injury. 
To  concede  farther,  would  render  us  a  de- 
graded people — to  afk  more  from  thofe  who 
have  fet  at  defiance  the  acknowledged  prin- 
ciples of  national  jufHce  and  national  honor, 
\vould  render  us  undeferving  of  the  refpec~l 
of  all  mankind. 

Under  thefe  imprerBons,  we  are  prepared 
for  the  worit.  Through  you,  Sir,  as  the 
chief  organ  of  our  country,  we  beg  leave  to 
exprefs  our  confidence  in  the  conftituted  au- 
thorities of  the  government.  Be  allured 
that  the  people  of  this  part  of  the  commu- 
jiity  are  impre.iTed  with  a  firm  determination 
to  refift  any  encroachm.ents  which  may  have 
for  their  object,  either  an  interference  \vith 
the  fovereignty  of  oqr  country,  or  an  ag- 
greflipn  upon  our  public  or  individual  rights. 
And  the  government  of  the  United  States 
\vill  receive  our  mod  decided  fupport  to 
any  meafures  which  may  be  adopted  for  the 
maintenance  of  our  national  honor,  and  the 
prefervation  of  our  independe.nce. 

G  E  S  £.  a  A  L 


WASHINGTON'S  LETTER.     349 


.  . 
GENERAL  WASHINGTON'S  LETTER 

^  to  PRESIDE  NT  A  DAMS,  on  his  APPOINT- 
MENT  to  the  Office  of  COMMANDER  IN 
CHIEF  OF  ALL  THE  ARMIES  OF  THE 
UNITED  STATES. 

-ix. 

Mount  Vernon,  i$th  July,  1798. 

DEAR  SIR, 

tl 
HAD  the  honor  on  the  evening  of  the 
nth   inftant,  to  receive  from  the  hand   of     . 
the  Secretary  of  War,  your  favor  of  the 
7th,  announcing  that  you  had,  with  the  ad- 
vice and  con&nt  of  the  Senate,  appointed 
me  u  Lieutenant-General  ;aiid  Commander 
in  Chief  of  all  the  Armies  raifed,  or  to  be 
railed,  for  the  fervice  of  the  United  States." 
•*?<VrI  cannot  exprefs   how  greatly  affe&ed  I 
,am  at  this  new  proof  of  public  confidence, 
.and;  the  highly  flattering  manner  in  which 
cycm  have  been  pieafed  to  make  the  commu- 
-nication  ;  at  the  fame  time  I  rtiuft  not  con- 
ceal   from  you   my  earnefl    wifli,  that   the 
^choice  had  fallen  upon   a  man  lefs  declined 
in  years,  and  better  qualified  te  encounter 
the  ufual  viciflitades  of  war. 

You  know,   Sir,  what  calculation  I  had 

made   relative    to   the  probable   courfe  of 

events,  on  my  retiring  from  office,  and  the 

F  f  ^determination 


350     WASHINGTON'S  LETTER. 

determination  I  had  confoled  myfelf  with, 
of  clofing  the  remnant  of  my  days  in  my 
prefent  peaceful  abode  ;  you  will  therefore 
be  at  no.  lofs  to  conceive  and -appreciate  the 
fenfations  I  mult  have  experienced,  to  bring 
my  mind  to  any  conclufion  that  would  pledge 
me,  at  fo  late  a  period  of  life,  to  leave  fce.nes 
I  fincerely  love,  to  enter  upon  the  bound- 
lefs  field  of  public  action,  inceflant  trouble,, 
and  high  refponfibility. 

It  was  not  poflible  for  me  to  remain  ig- 
norant of,  or  indifferent  toy-recent  trail  fac- 
tions. The  can  duel;  of  the 'Dire&ory  of 
France  towards  our  country;  their  infi'dious 
lioftility  to  its  .government  •  their  various 
pradices  to  ;withdraw  the  affections  of  the 
people  from  it;j;  the  evident  tendency  of 
4heir  acls  and  thofe  of  their  agents  to  coun- 
tenance and  invigorate  opp.ofition  ;  their 
jdifregard  of  folemn  treaties  and  the  laws  of 
nations ;  their  xwar  upon  our  defencelefs 
.commerce  .;  their  treatment  of  bur  minifters 
of  peace  ;  and  their  demands  amounting  to 
tribute  ; — could  noi  fail  to  excite  in  me  cor- 
refponding  fentiments  with  thofe  my  coun- 
tryme/i  have  fo  generally  exprcffed  in  their 
affedionate  addreffes  to  you.  Believe  me, 
Sir,  no  one  can  more  cordially  approve  of 
the  wife  and  prudent  meaftires  of  your  ad- 
miniftration.  They  ought  to  infpire  univer- 
fal  confidence,  and  will,  no  doubt, combined 

with 


WASHINGTON'S  LETTER.     351 

•with  the  ftate  of  things,  call  from  Congrefs 
fuch  laws  and  means  as  will  'enable  yoju  to 
meet  the  full  force  >and  extent  of  the  crifis. 

Satisfied,  therefore,  that  you  have  fiiv- 
cerely  wifhed  and  endeavored  to  avert  war, 
and  exhaufted  to  the  laft  drop,  the  cup  of 
reconciliation,  >we  can  with  pure  hearts  ap- 
peal to  Heavenifor  the  juftice  of  our  caufo; 
and  may  confidently  trull  the  ^nal  refutt 
to  that  kind  Providence  who  has  hereto- 
fore, and  fo  often,  fignally' favored  the  peo- 
ple of  thefe  United  States. 

Thinking  in  this  manner,  and'  Feeling  how 
incumbent  it  is  upon  every  perfon,  of  every 
description,  to  contribute  at  all  times  to  his 
country's,;  welfare,  and  efpecially  in  a  mo- 
ment like  the  prefent,  when  every  thing  we 
hold  dear  and  facred  is  fo  ferioufly  threat- 
ened ;  I  have  finally  determined  to  accept 
the  commiflion  of  Commander,  in  Chief  of 
the  Armies  of  the- United  States  ;  with  the 
referve  only,  that  I  fhalF  hot  be-' called-  into 
the  field  until  the  army  is  in  a  fituation  to 
require  my  prefence,  or  it  becomes  indif- 
penfable  by  the  urgency  of  circumftances. 

In  making  this  refervation,  I  beg  it  to  be 
underftood,  that  I  do  not  mean  to  withhold 
any  affiftance  to  arrange  and  organize  the  ar- 
my,which  you  may  think  I  can  afford.  I  take 
the  liberty  alfo  to  mention,  that  I  muft  de- 
cline having  my  acceptance  confidered  as 

drawing. 


352     WASHINGTON'S  LETTER. 

drawing  after  it  any  immediate  charge  upon 
the  public  ;  or  that  I  can  receive  any  emolr 
uments  annexed xo  tbe  appointment,  before 
•entering  into  a  fituation  to  incur  expenfe. 

The  Secretary  of  War  being  anxious  to 
return  to  the  feat  of  government,  I  have 
detained  him  no  longer  than  was  neceflary 
to  a  full,  communication  upon  the  feverai 
points  he  had  in  charge. 

With  very  great  refpeft  and  confider 
ation, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Dear  Sir, 

* 

Your  moft  obedient  humble  fervant, 

. 

G.  WASHINGTON, 

';  Jc^a/; 

T^  A:^ 

JOHN  ADAMS, 

of  the  United  States. 


:  i: 

'      , 
THE    END. 

r      ,    .    ,,  , , •  . 


I 


I    N    D    E    X. 


..  '\  j 

VERMONT.  Page 

ADDRESS  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  ofWindfor  7* 

Of  the  Towns  of  Arlington  andSandgatc               -  9 
•—  —  —  Mayor  t  Aldermen,  Common  Council  and  Freemen 

oftheCity.afVergcnnes         .     -              •            -  la 

"      NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

Of  the  Legijlature                                                   -  16 

-  Inhabitant*.  of  the  Town  of  Portfmoutk  20 
1  ,            Young  Men  of  Portf  mouth               -              -  21 

^  -  Students  ef  Dartmouth  College                             ..  $5 

££f  .    "MASSACHUSETTS. 

Of  the   Legijlature                 -                  .                  .  28 

-  Inhabitants  of  Bojlon    ••             -                 -  32 
«—  -  Young  Men  of  Bojlon    •        >.;*•;•    'yv-^  ^*-  '  •   35 

-  Inhabitants  of  Salem                  -                   -  38 
•"•           Inhabitants  of  Newbury-Port  42 

—  —  —  Grand  Jurors  for  the  County  of  Plymouth  4,5 

-  >  Inhabitants  of  Concord                -  48 

—  —  —  —  Inhabitants  of  Haver  hill  53 
c  «7j  -  Inhabitants  ofQlouccfter                 -                 -.  .  ^5 

Inhabitants  of  Rcxbury                 .                 -  56" 


-  Inhabitants  of  Cambridge               -  -         .58 

Inhabitants  of  Medford            H  ^  T  ,  62 

Inha&foants  of,  DC  ah  am  and  its.  vicinity  6^ 

Inhabitants  of  Braintree              -  71 

Inhabitants  of  .Quincy             -  j6 

Inhabitants  of  Breokline                 *  "               79 

Inhabitants  of  Lynn  •          --           -  -             &i" 

-  Congregational.  Minifters  84 
'  Gr'dtfd:  Lodge  of  Fret  and  Accepted  Maforis  85 

-  '  "Rofliin  Marine  Society                 -  02 

Students  of  Williams'  College            -  -             98 

Students  of  Harva  rd  Univerjity  1  1  z 

Ffa  DISTRICT 


454  INDE 

DISTRICT    OF    MAINE. 

Of  the  Citizens  of  Portland                •                 .  105 

— — —  Inhabitants  of  Wells    •'             -                 •  107 

.......  .  Inhabitants  of  Arundell                -              -  ioS 

»  RHODE-ISLAND. 

Of  the,  Legijlature  •  no 
— •— —  Town  cf  Newport  -'"  -  *1J 
~--' — •  ••  Inhabitants  of  Providence  114 
•  •  •  Cincinnati  -  -  -  119 
Students  of  Rhode-Ifiand  College  -  122 

CONNECTICUT. 

Of  the  Legijlature     r            -                 -                 -  126 

* Inhabitants  of  Hartford             -             -  129 

N  E  W.y  O  R  K. 

Of  the  Citizens  of  New-York                 -                 -  J/H 

Young  Men  of  the  City  of  New-York  >37 

— —  (  itizens  of  Jlb.any.  .  ' .  .  r       -                .  -  143 

Citizens  ofrlnrlftn  !          -            -•            -  M6 

Grand  Jurors  for  the  County  of  Columbia  149 

— — — -  Inhabitants  of  tke  County  of  Off  ego             .*•  -    J.53 

Inhabitants  of  t fie  County  df  Ontida.            "•  456 

> Officers  of  the  Brigade  ofili&'CityandCeunty  of 

New-York  and  County  of  Richnwnd                -  160 

NE  W.JERSEY. 

Of  the  Inhabitants  of  tke  County  of  Burlington  163 

Citizens  of  Newark                  -                  -  3  66 

Inhabitants'  of  Bridge  ton,  lf>9 

— — — —  Inhabitants  ofWindjor,  Mtntgcmery,  Princeton 

aud  King jt on  172 

Citizens  of  Aintvell,  Readinqton  and  Kingiaood       179 

•  Soldier  Citizens  of  New- Jrrjey                 -  18 1 

• Students  of  NcW-}erfey  College            -  184- 

• 

PEN  NSY  L  V  ANI  A. 

Of  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Citizens  cf  Philadelphia  .      190 
'.  jnfwer  to   the  V.tizens  of  Philadelphia,  the  Dijtritt  of 

Southward,  and  the  Northern  Liberties  -,534 

Addrffs  of  the  Young  Mm  of  Philadelphia            -  .  J95 

Of 


Page 

<7/'  J/4<?  Inhabitants  of  the  County'df  Lanccjl'r  -eoo 

Inhabitants  ofCarlifi?  and  its  vicinity  -203 

— — - —  Inhabitants  of  Berks  County                   -  207 

— — —  Citizens  of  Montgomery  County                 -  «io 

• '  i          Inhabitants  of  Huntingdon  County              -  212 

Inhabitants  of  Luztrnt  County  -  -        215 

— — —  Officers  cf  the  Militia^  the  Troop  of  Horfe,  and 

the  Citizens  of  Weftmorelan d  County  217 

—  Inhabitants  of -the  Borough  of  Harnjlurgk  221 

Ptople  of  Pott's  Town  and  its  vicinity  325 

Inhabitants  of  Sunbury  and  Northumberland  228 

•  Ptnnfylvani*  State  Sccuiy.of  the  Cincinnati  ..       241 
Students  ofDichinfon.  College                  -  235: 

DELAWARE. 

Of  the  Officers  of  the  Militia  of  Newcajllt  County  ^41 

•    •  Inhabit  aits  of  Kent  Couvty                     -         -  .24,5 

•  Grand  Jury  of  the  County  cf  SuJJex             -  248 

MARYLAND. 

Of  the  Citizens  of  Baltimore               -  850 

— « Grand  Ledge  of  Free,  and  Accepted  Mafont  253 

Rtfolutions  oft  fie  Citizens  of  Culvert  County             -  258 
Addrcfs  of  the  Inhabitants  oflVaJhin^ton  Vountv 
Of  the  Citi^^^Vprcefler  County  ' 


Citizens  ofUorcheJle~r  County  -  266 

Inhabitants  ofliarford  County 

- '    •        Citizen!  of  Caroline  County  -  270 

Jujtices,  Grand  and  Petit  Jurors,  the  Officers 

and  People  of  Talbot  County  -  272 

Citizens  of  Elkton  and  .its  vicinity  ^  276 

Refolutions  of  the  Citizens  of  Georgetown  -  279 

Addrefs  of  the  Citizens  of  Bohemia  Manor  andSa/afrasNeck  28 1 

VIRGINIA.. 

Of  the  Young  Men  of  Richmond  -  -  *^4 

Refolutions  and  Addrefs  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Alexandria  289 

Addrfjs  of  the  Youn?  Men  of  the  County  of  Greenfville  292 
Refolutions  and  Addrefs  cf  the  Forty-eighth  Regiment 

in  the  County  of  Botetourt  -  «94 

Addrefs  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Borough  of  Norfolk 
Of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  County  of  Middlifex 

Inhabitants  cf  the  County  of  Bedford  -       ,  S°3 

Citizens  of  the  County  of  Wejlmoreiand  3°5 


35tf  -I      N      D      E      X. 

Page 

. Inhabitants  of  Hie  County  of  Accomack  308 

Inhabitants  of  Harrifon  County  -  312 

Inhabitants  of  the  County  of  Campbell  317 

,          Inhabitants  of  Shepherd1  s^Town  and  its  vicinity       3 19 

N-OkTH-C  AROLIN  A. 

Of  the  '  Inhabitants  of  Nctu'bern  32-V     < 
'—— Inhabitants  of  Wilmington             -               -  326 
0^«rs  //  f/5*  Regiment  and  the  Inhabitants' of 

the  Cbunty  of  Guilford  33° 

Inhabitants  of  Moore  County  334 

Pw^/tf-  of -drape  I  Hill  and  its  bitinity,  and  the 

Young  Men  of  the  Univerfity  -  335 

S  O  U  T  H-C  A  R  O  L  I  N  A. 

Of  the    Citizen*  bf  Charlejl on  339 

Inhabitants  of  Clarmcnt  County         ..."  34 l 

Inhabitants  of  Cambridge  avd  its  vicinity  Jj42~ 

G  E  O  R  G  I  A. 

Of  the  Inhdbttcintj  of  Savannah  -  344 

Inhabitants  ofWafliingtcn  and  County  of  IV i Ikes     3^5 

General  Wajhingtotis  Letter 

^~~- : — ;••'•'-•''    • — -^— 


SUBSCRIBERS'    NAMES. 

[If  there  are  any  omiffions  of  titles,  &c. ' or  otter  errors  in  the 
'following  tijt  of  Jubfcribtr?  names,  it  is  requtjltd  they  may 
be  cxcujed,  and  attributed  to  want  vffufidcnt  information.] 


A, 

GEN".  STEPHEN  ABBOT 
Salem. 

Samuel"  Brown,       Newb.  Port. 
DaoieJ  Burnham,                ditto. 

Z.  B.  Adams,  Efq.  Charleflown 

Wm/Bi^low,  A.  M.     Salem. 

Daniel  Aultin,                    ditto 

Rev.T.  Barnard,  D.D.    ditto. 

John  Auftin,                         do. 

John  Bifhop,               Medford. 

N.  Auftin,  jun.                    do. 

Gen.  J    Brooks,                  ditto. 

Nathan  Adams,                     do. 

Rev.  Ifaac  Braman,       Rowley. 

Dr.  Ifaac  Adams,  Newb.  Port. 

Dr.  John  Bartlett,       Roxbury. 

Rev.  John  Andrews,         ditto. 
Eli  Adams,       Dublin,  (N.  H/ 

Thomas  Beede,  A.  B.         ditto, 
Jeremiah  S/Boies,  Efq.  Milton. 

Benjamin  Adams,  jun.  Rowley. 

C 

Benjamin  Ailine,            Bofton. 

Jofeph,  Cabot,  A,  M.      Salem. 

R.  G    Anaory,  Efq.           ditto,- 
C.  W.  Ap.borp,                  do..! 
Richard  Auftin;                  do. 

Capt,  -Ben],  Carpenter,      ditro. 
Tho.nas  C.  Cufliing,            do. 
John  St.  Capt,     ,            Bofton. 

B 

Dr.  J.  Bartlett,  }    Char!eftow.n. 
George  Bartletr,                  ditto. 

JoIV'ph  Callemler,  2  cop.  ditto. 
Samuel^Chrke,      -              <}c. 
William  Cochian,               do. 

T     i         y^ 

Samuel  Bradilree<,  ;  .    ...     do., 
John  Breed,                          do> 
Eben.  Baker,                  Bbfton. 

John  Coe,                       .     do. 
William  Crafts,  2  cop/    .    do; 
Allen  Crocker,                      do,. 

G.  L.  Barrett,                     ditio. 

(R.  Crocker,                          do, 

Thomas  Baitlqu,                  do. 

'George  A.  Cufhlng:,         'do'. 

Daniel  Bow.en,             i       do. 

Re  v.Thomas  Cary  ,  Newb.Pon. 

Solomon  Blake,                   do. 

Tliomas  Cary,  juri.  A.  3.,  ditto. 

Samuel  Brewer,                    do. 

Capt.'Ebenez^r  Choate,        do. 

Jonathan  Balch,  jun.          do. 

Tnftram  Coffin,                   do. 

Robert  Breck,  jun.              <lo. 
Samuel  Bradford,                 do. 

DaVid  Coffin,                       do. 
Philip  Coombs.                     do. 

Francis  Brinley,                    do. 

William  Coombs,                do. 

Afa  Bui  lard,                         do. 

A.  Childs,              CharlcRown. 

William  Bartlett,.    New!).  Port. 

D 

Edmund  B;mletr,  2  cop-,    ditto. 

William  Dall,                Boflon. 

Stephen  Bartlett,                  do. 
Edward  Bals,  Di/hop,      '    do." 

[Ion.  John)  Dayjs,             ditto. 
S.  Dillaway,                         do. 

Rev.  John  Boddily,            do. 

Weare  Dow,                        do. 

Peter  L.  Briton,    '              do. 

Robert  Duncan,  jun.           do. 

Hon.  Theoph.  Bradbury,     do. 
Capt.  Mofes  Brown,  a  cop.  dp. 

George  W.  Duncan,          do. 
Charles  Davisv2  cop.  Roxbury.. 

Mofe-j  Brown,           P  'do. 

Rev.  Datllel  Dana^^vb.  "Poii, 

SUBSCRIBERS'    NAMES. 


Klias  H:  Derby,  Efq.      Salem. 
EliasH.  Derby,  jun.  Efq.  ditto. 
J$.  H.  Derby,  A.  M.          do. 
Benjamin  Dodge,  do. 

.George  Dodge,  dv>. 

John  Dutch,  jun.  d  >. 

James  Derby,  Medford. 

Hon.  Samuel  Dexter, -Chailef- 
town,  3  copies. 

E 

•Henry  Edes,  B6flon. 

liphraim  Ejnerfon,  •   '      Sal-em 

F 

Jonn.  Fay,.Efq.  6  cop.  Concord. 
Srtiucl  P.  Fay,  A.  B.  ditto 
'Dr.  Nahum  Fay,  Bofton 

Ebenezcr  Failcy,  ditto 

William  Fifk,  do 

Capt.  Simon  Forrefter,  Salem 
Samuel  Fofter,  ;'Newb.  Port 
Mofes  Frazier,  ditto 

Andrew  Frothingham,         do. 


Michael  Hodge,  Newb.  Port. 
1'apt.  Stephen  Howard,  ditto. 
ELhas  Hant,  do. 

Jofcph  P.  Hall,  Medford. 

Gilbert  Hall,  djlto. 

J.  Hall,  Bofton. 

Dr.  Lemuel  Hayward,  ditto. 
Jonathan  Harris,  do. 

John  Heard,  A.  M.  do. 

Stephen  Higginfon,  do. 

flenrv  H'.ll,        '    :  do. 

John  Houghton.  do. 

James  .Hughts,  Efq.  ilo^ 

flioni  is  H-iitfhorn,  Efq.  Salem. 
John  II  j'lhorn,  jun.  A.  B.  ditto. 


do. 


Theodore  D.Fofter,Providence. 

G 

His    Honor    MP s-R s    GILL, 

Princeton,  3  copies. 
Jonathan  Gage,      Newb.  Port. 
Hon.  Jona,  Greenleaf,      ditto. 
Jofiiua  Greenleaf,  do. 

ohn  Greenleaf,  d.o. 

Jacob  Gatrs,  Bofton. 

John  Gardner,'  ditto.'1 

Edward  Gray,'  Efq.'  do. 

Samuel  L.  Green,  ,  do. 

Henry  Gardner,  Salem. 

Samuel  Gray,  ditto 

William  Gray,  Jan.'  do. 

William  Gray,  tcrtius,       do. 
Hon.;B.  Goodhue,  do. 

S.  Gorham,^Un.-    Charleftown. 
David  Gloyd,6  cop.  Abbington, 

K 

Capt.  Eben.  Hale,  Newb.Port. 
James  Hodge,  ditto. 

Thomas  W.  Hooper, ,     .do, 


Joftph  Hiller,  EGq. 
Cipt.  Benj.  Hod,jes,  o. 

Dr.  Ed.  A.  Holyoke,          do. 
Rew.  T.'M.  Harris,  Dorchefter. 
Thomas  He-aid,  A.  M.  Concord. 
Dr.  Abitl  Heywood,         ditto. 
Dr.  Jofcph  Hant,     '  do/ 

Dr.  Ifaac  HurH,  do. 


Jona.  P.  Hitchcock,  Brookfield. 
Oliver  HoUlen,  Charleftown. 
Benjamin  Hani,  jun.  ditto. 
Jofcph  Hurd,  •  do. 

"rfeph  Flurd,  jur>;A.  B.     do. 


ames  Howe, 


I 


Roxbury. 


Capt.  Johnlngerfoll,-     Sale'ffl. 
Capt.  J.  Ingrakam,  Cambiidgs, 


2  copes 

James  J^k  Ton,  A. 

John  Jenks,  , 

Ehmiel  Jenks,. 

James  Jeffrey, 

Edward  Jackfon, 

Patrick  Jackfon,  • 

Wm.  P'.  Johnfon, 

Capt.  Eleazer  Johnfon, 

Capt.  W.  Jones,         Concord. 

Thomas  Johnflori,  Charleftown. 


B^     S.ilcni. 
ditto, 
do. 
do. 

Bofton. 
Nc\vb.  Port. 
ditto- 
do. 


Rev.  Jofe$h 


Miltor.» 


SU  BSCR1B-ERS'     NAMES. 


359 


Thomas  Kettell,  Charleftown. 
James  King,  :  Salem. 

Rev.  J  oho  T , Kirk  Van  d,  Boflon. 
Jofeph  Knapp,  ditto. 

Wm.  Kempton,  do.  , 

XJak-b  Kimball,  Newb.  Poit. 
Capt.  Anthony -Knapp.  di:to. 
Capt.  William -Knzpp,  do. 

L 

Capt.  George  Lane,      Charlef- 

town,  2  copies. , 
Deacon    [ohn  Larkin,        diito. 
Thomas  O.  Lvkin,    ,         do. 
\Villiam  Lewis,  do. 

Jonathan  Lambert,  Salem. 

Capt.  Abel  Laurence,  ditto., 
Mofes  Little,  do.  i 

\VilliaTa  Ling,    •  do. 

Edward  J.  Lang,  jun,  do. 
Peter  Lander,  do. 

Miqhael  Lirtle,  Newb.  Port. 
Deacon  Robert  Long,  ditto. 
Nathaniel  Lord,  A.B.  Ipfwich. 
Hon.  John  Lowell,  Roxbury^ 

3  copies. 

M 

Col.  Sabin  Mann,  Medford. 
Jonathan  March,  Newb.  Port. 
Hugh  Mowatt,  ditto. 

Rev.  Charles  W.  Milton,  do. 
Daniel  Mafen,  Cheifea. 

Capt.  W.  Matfton,  Sjlcm. 
John  Murphy,  Salem. 

Samuel  Miller,  Button 

Rev.  John  Murray,  ditto. 

.Rev.  J.  Morfe,  D.  D.  Charlel- 
town,  3  copies. 

N 

Henry  Newman,  Efq.  BoR'on 
Capt.  W.M'Neil.ter.  Charlef- 

town. 

Jeremiah  Nelfon,  N7ewb.  Port 
Dr.  Bilhop  fvorton,  dittr). 

Capr.  William  Noyfs,        do. 
Nichols,  Salem 


John  Nbrris,  Efq.  Salem. 

Abijah  Northey,  jun.         ditto. 

b 

Edward  Oliver,  Boflon. 

Francis  J.  Oliver,  A.  M'.  ditto. 
Dr.  B.  L.  Oli'ver,  Salem, 

iaac  Ofoobd,  E-q.  ditto. 

Jofeph  Of  good,  do. 

Nathl.  G.  Olney,  -Providence. 
Samuel  A.  Otis,  Newb.  Port. 

P 

Fhomas  Paine,  Bofion. 

Thoanas  Paine,  A.  M.  ditto. 
Jofeph  Pope,  do. 

Benjamiw  Proclor,  do. 

Samuel  rafkrhah,  do. 

Ralph.  Pope,  do. 

Jofeph  Powell,  do. 

joh,n  Page,  Sal  era. 

|ofeph  Peikins,Efq.  ditto. 

Benjamin  Pickman,  Efq.  do. 
Bciij.  Pickmau,  jun.  .Efq.  do. 
Dudley  L.  Pickman,  <Jo. 

Benjamin  Fierce,  do. 

Nathan  Pierce,  do. 

Robert  Peele,  do. 

William  Prefcott,  Efq.  do. 
Edward  Pulling,  Efq.  do.' 
Samuel  Putnam,  Efq.  do, 

John  P-unchjTrd^  '  do. 

Acsron  Pardee,  '  '  Newb.  Port. 
Amos  Pearfon,  ditto. 

Richard  Pike,  do. 

Daniel  Parker,       Charleftown, 

2  copies. 

John  Phillips,  A.  M.  cli  to* 
E.  Porter,  Roxbury. 

R 

Dr.  Ifaac  Rand,  Bofton. 

Dr.  If.iac  R-ndr  jun.  ditto, 

lofeph  Richards,  do. 

vVilHam  E^ichar«Lfon,  do. 
Edward  Rand,  Newb.  Port. 

Samuel  Richardfon,  ditt9- 

.Capt.  John  Rogers^  dg>. 


3  Go 


S  U  B  ;S  C  R  I  B  E  R  &    NAMES. 


John  Rkhardfon,  Concord. 
Nathaniel  J.  Robbins,  Milton. 
Brackiy  Rofe,  .  Salem. 

John  M.  Ruflell,  Efq.  Charlef- 
town,  2  copies. 

S 

His    Excellency    INCREASE 
SUMNER,'  2  cop.  Roxbury. 
John  Swift,  ditto. 

Jofiah  Saljibury,  A.  B,  Button. 
David  Sears,  I^fq.  ditto. 

Thomas  O.  Sdfndge,  A.B.  do. 
John  C.  Shindlr,  do. 

Holder  Slccum,!jun.  do. 

William  Stone,  do. 

Richard  Sullivan,  A.  B,  do. 
Jeffe  Sumner,  do. 

Charles  P.  Sumner,  A.  B.  do. 
Samuel  Swift,  do. 

Jacob  Saunderfon,  Salem. 

Richard  Smitii,  ditto. 

Jofeph  Sprague,  do. 

Artrnru Sawyer,  A.B.  Lancafter. 
F.  Siflbn,  '  Charleftown. 

Capt.  Daniel  Scott,  ditto, 

Cnpt.  James  bmith,  Cambridge. 
Leonard  Smith,  Ncwb.  Port. 
John  Smith,  ditto. 

Rev.  Samuel  Spring,  do. 

Zben.  Stocker,  do. 

Amos  Spofford,  Rowley. 

Samuel  Toppan,  Ncwb.  Port 
William  Tucomb,  ditto. 

Gen.  Jonathan  'i'itcomb,  do. 
Deac.  Thomas Thompfon,  do. 
Benjamin  Thurfton,  do. 

Nicholas  Tracy,  do. 

Stephen  Tilton,  do. 

Enoch  Titcorrn,  do, 

Benjamin  Tucker,  "do. 

E.  tufts,  .      do. 

Dudley  A.  Tyng,  Efn.  do. 
Fitch  Tarbctt,  Medford. 

J.iall  Tufts,  A,  M.  ditto. 


Capt. Nathaniel  Thayer,  Bofloru 
Stephen  Thayer,  ditto. 

Abraham  Tuckerman,         do. 
Edward  Tuckerman,  jun.   do. 
George  \V.  1  uckerman,    do. 
James  Temple,  A.M.  Concord. 
Capt.  Gideon  Tucker,    Salem. 

V 
Jofeph  Vincent,  Salem. 

W 
apt.T.  Walker,  Charleflown. 

Col.  David  Wood,  ditto. 

Aaion  Wait,  Salem. 

Jonathan  Waldo,  ditto. 

Jofhua  Ward,  do. 

William  .Ward,  do. 

Capt.  Edward  Weft,  do. 

Michael  Walfh,     Newb.  Port. 

Eben.  Whee-lwright,         ditto. 

Gilman  White,  do. 

David  Woodx  do. 

Capt.  William  Wyer,        do. 

N.  Wyer,  do. 

J.  Watery  jun.  Bofton. 

Rev.  Win. Walter,  D.  D.  ditto, 
2  copies. 

Robtnt  Wyer,  A.  M.         do. 

Nathan  Webb,  •  do. 

Nath.  P.  Weft,  do. 

Abraham  Wild  do. 

Dr.  Jofeph  W  hippie,         do. 

Benjamin  White,  do. 

Nathaniel  Whitwell,  do; 

William  Whit  well,  do. 

|Conr,ide  Webb,  A.  B.  Virginia. 

Deacon  John  White,  Concord, 
6  copies. 

Stephen  Wood,  ditto. 

D.  A.  White,  A.M.  Medford. 

William  H.  Williams,  Provi- 
dence, (R.  I.) 

Thomas   William?,  Efq.    Rox- 
bury, 2  copies. 

fohu  Williams,  Efq. 

William  Wyrr,  Beverly, 


f 


Gf. 


, 


'i^*--^ 


